Matt's 9b field note
“My #1. Fruits prolifically every year in Phoenix — reliable, heavy crops of sweet fruit. If you plant one longan in the desert, plant this one.”
Background
The 'Kohala' cultivar was selected in Hawaii (Kohala district, Big Island) for adaptability, heavy yields, and improved fruit quality under subtropical conditions. It is now the standard commercial and dooryard longan in Hawaii and is widely planted in Florida and other subtropical regions.
Distinguishing traits
Larger fruit than seedling longans, with thicker, sweet, translucent flesh and a honey-like flavor. Noted for dependable, heavy fruit set when mature and a dense, rounded evergreen canopy of glossy foliage. Self-fertile.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Low, roughly 100-200 hours; longans fruit without a strong chill requirement
- Cold hardiness
- Mature trees tolerate brief dips to about 28-30°F; young trees need frost protection below freezing. Matt's tree fruits reliably in Queen Creek with winter protection as needed.
- Heat tolerance
- Excellent — proven annual heavy crops in Phoenix ~120°F summers. Afternoon shade and deep mulch help young trees through extreme heat.
- Water
- Moderate to high; keep consistently moist in the growing season, mulch heavily. Reduce in winter.
- Soil
- Well-draining sandy loam, pH 5.5-7.0; amend heavy AZ clay/caliche with organic matter and plant high for drainage.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun; some afternoon shade beneficial during extreme (>115°F) heat waves.
Where to buy
- Sow Exotic
- Top Tropicals