Choose a ripe lychee fruit and remove the seed
Rinse the seed thoroughly to remove all fruit flesh
Plant the seed immediately for best viability
Use a pot with drainage holes
Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix
Place the seed about 1 inch deep in the soil
Keep the seed warm, ideally 70–85°F
Keep the soil consistently moist, not soggy
Place the pot in bright, indirect light
Cover the pot loosely with plastic to retain humidity if needed
Remove the plastic daily for airflow
Wait for germination, which may take 1–4 weeks
Transplant the seedling when it has several leaves
Use a larger pot as the plant grows
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging
Feed with a balanced fertilizer after the seedling is established
Protect the plant from cold temperatures
Move the plant outdoors only in warm climates
Be patient, since seed-grown lychee trees take years to fruit