Matt's 9b field note
“Large-fruited Thai cultivar. Testing heat tolerance and fruit quality head-to-head with Kohala.”
Background
'Biew Kiew' is a Thai commercial longan cultivar. Thai literature describes it as a late bearer that tends to bloom in alternate years — heavy in the bearing year, light the next — though US nurseries describe it as a reliable fruiter, possibly reflecting different climate responses.
Distinguishing traits
Large fruit with a thick, crispy, translucent aril that is sharply sweet (22-23% total soluble solids). Brownish-green thick skin; fruit rather large, compressed-round and lopsided. Valued commercially for good shelf life.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Low, roughly 100-200 hours
- Cold hardiness
- Frost sensitive; protect below freezing, especially young trees.
- Heat tolerance
- Good; being trialed head-to-head with Kohala in Phoenix. Mulch and consistent water in extreme heat.
- Water
- Moderate to high; regular watering in the growing season.
- Soil
- Well-draining sandy loam, pH 5.5-7.0.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to partial sun.
Where to buy
- Sow Exotic
- Sharon's Plants
- C&J Gardening Center