Rambutan (E35 Yellow) – Premium Tropical Fruit Plant

Rambutan is a unique tropical fruit known for its soft, juicy flesh and distinctive spiny outer skin. Besides producing delicious fruits, it also serves as an attractive ornamental tree for home gardens and orchards.

E35 Yellow Characteristics

The E35 Yellow variety is known for its excellent fruit quality and nutritional value.

• Average fruit weight: 30 grams

• Total Soluble Solids (TSS): 21% Brix

• Juicy aril that separates easily from the seed

• Carbohydrates: 22.46%

• Energy: 101.91 Kcal

• Rich source of Calcium (8.47 mg/100 g), Potassium (126 mg/100 g), and Iron (14.39 mg/100 g)

Rambutan fruits are highly nutritious and are naturally rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

Growing Conditions

Rambutan grows best in warm tropical climates with well-drained soil. Areas prone to waterlogging are unsuitable, while slightly sloped land provides ideal growing conditions.

Budding or grafting is the preferred propagation method for producing high-quality planting material. Budded plants generally begin bearing fruits within 2–3 years, with optimum production achieved after 6–8 years under proper care and management.

Planting Guidelines

• Recommended spacing between plants: 40 ft (may vary depending on local climate and growing conditions).

• Up to 35 plants can be planted per acre.

• Prepare 1 m × 1 m planting pits filled with topsoil mixed with 3 pots of well-decomposed cow dung manure or compost and 1 kg of rock phosphate.

• Position the sapling so that the bud union remains above the soil level.

• Apply a handful of compost or dried cow dung manure mixed with rock phosphate around the planting pit.

• Additional fertilizers can be applied after 6 months, once the new flush of leaves has fully matured.

Regular irrigation during dry periods is essential. Keep the orchard weed-free through periodic maintenance, and remove dried branches and water suckers regularly to encourage healthy growth.

Planting & Care

Choose a fertile growing medium such as topsoil enriched with compost or well-decomposed manure. The added nutrients encourage faster establishment and vigorous plant growth.

Plant Rambutan trees at least 33–40 feet apart to provide sufficient space for their extensive root system and canopy. Proper spacing promotes better air circulation and improves fruit production.

Grow the plant in a sunny location and maintain consistent soil moisture without allowing the soil to dry out completely.

Seed germination usually takes 9–25 days. Once seedlings reach approximately 12 inches in height, they are ready for transplanting into the field or greenhouse.

After harvesting, apply approximately 2.2 pounds of ammonium sulfate and 2.2 pounds of 12-24-12 fertilizer per tree to replenish nutrients and support healthy future growth.

Climate & Soil Requirements

Rambutan is well adapted to warm tropical climates and grows successfully up to 700 meters above sea level.

• Ideal temperature: 22°C–30°C

• Sensitive to temperatures below 10°C

• Annual rainfall requirement: 200–500 cm, well distributed throughout the year

• A short dry spell encourages flower bud initiation.

• Heavy rainfall during fruit maturity may lead to fruit cracking.

Rambutan grows successfully in a wide range of soils. Well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soils rich in organic matter are ideal for optimum growth and yield. It can also be cultivated successfully in red laterite soils with adequate organic and inorganic fertilizer application.

The ideal soil pH ranges from 4.5 to 6.5. Since Rambutan is sensitive to waterlogging, slightly sloped land is recommended for better orchard performance.

Harvesting & Yield

Grafted Rambutan trees generally begin bearing fruits from the 4th year onwards.

In Southeast Asian countries, Rambutan produces two crops annually, with the main crop in June and a second crop in December. In India, however, Rambutan typically produces one crop per year, with fruits ripening between July and October.

Harvest fruits carefully using sharp knives or pruning shears by cutting the fruit clusters along with the stalk. Fruits should not be allowed to fall directly onto the ground, as bruising reduces both shelf life and market quality.

A healthy mature tree can produce approximately 2,000–3,000 fruits (60–70 kg) per year under proper management. However, annual yield may vary due to the natural alternate-bearing habit of Rambutan trees.