How to Grow Rambutan
- 1). Grow the rambutan in a sunny, sheltered location out of high winds.
- 2). Amend the soil in the planting area with 3 inches of peat moss. Mix it to a depth of 8 inches and level the planting bed with the rake.
- 3). Plant the rambutan seed, 1-inch deep, with the flattened side pointing down. Water the bed to a depth of 4 inches, being careful not to wash the seed away. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times and the seed should germinate within three weeks. After germination, cut back watering to once every three days.
- 4). Provide the seedlings with shade on hot days. Palm fronds work well.
- 5). Spread a 3-inch layer of compost at the base of the rambutan and spread it out 1-foot beyond the dripline every two months.
- 6). Fertilize the young rambutan tree every two months. Alternate feedings using 5 ounces of 12-24-12 fertilizer at one application and the same amount of urea at the next. The mature rambutan should be given 2 pounds of ammonium sulfate and 2 pounds of 12-24-12 fertilizer after harvest and again at the end of the rainy season in your area. Apply the materials to the soil, 6 inches away from the trunk and spread out 1-foot beyond the dripline. Water the soil to a depth of 10 inches after fertilizing.
- 7). Inspect the rambutan tree periodically for aphids. Although they can be washed off the tree with a strong blast of water from a hose, insecticidal soap sprays will work on large infestations. Follow the label instructions and apply at the rate suggested.