Purple Longan Sapling

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Origin

The purple longan was first discovered by a farmer named Tran Van Huy (Ba Huy) in Phong Thanh hamlet, Phong Nam commune, Ke Sach district, Soc Trang province. Consequently, this variety is also known as the Soc Trang purple longan.

According to his account, the purple longan is a genetic mutation line originating from traditional longan. It was later air-layered and propagated, though the quantity remains limited. When it first appeared on the market, it caused a sensation and was dubbed the "beloved-by-all" longan variety, with people queuing up in droves waiting to get their hands on it.

Currently, Uncle Huy's original seedling orchard has over 40 fruit-bearing trees. Because the focus is currently on air-layering branches, fruit yields are low—only about 100 to 150 kg per harvest. The average selling price of 100,000 VND per kg still provides a decent income for his family.

Characteristics

Most farmers purchase purple longan saplings out of curiosity and fascination with their striking appearance, displaying a purple hue from the trunk and leaves to the fruit itself.

In terms of flavor and quality, the purple longan possesses all the great advantages of traditional longan: large fruits, thick flesh, small seeds, and juiciness. If grown from grafted or air-layered branches, the trees will bear fruit very quickly.

Due to its rare and unique coloration, this seedling variety has been hunted by numerous domestic and international nurseries in countries like Thailand and China. However, according to Uncle Huy, propagating purple longans is very difficult, and the success rate is low, resulting in relatively high sapling prices. This is also one of the reasons why local farmers remain hesitant to cultivate this variety on a large scale. Currently, only a handful of households in the commune grow purple longans, so the produce is primarily sold retail.

Every year, Uncle Huy air-layers about 100 to 200 purple longan saplings, each standing 40 to 60 cm tall, supplying them to residents in neighboring provinces such as Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, and Ben Tre. Due to the currently high demand for purple longan saplings, the Vietnam Agriculture Nursery (vườn ươm Nông Nghiệp Việt) has proactively placed orders and propagated this unique tree to supply farmers in need as soon as possible.

Guide to Planting Purple Longans

According to Uncle Huy, the method for planting purple longans is similar to that of other longan varieties. When planting, attention must be paid to the following factors: seedling source, soil quality, and care regimen.

1. Seedling Source

The most distinctive feature of the purple longan is that its trunk, leaves, and branches are all a deep purple color, completely distinct from other longan varieties, eliminating the worry of buying the wrong type. When purchasing, it is best to choose air-layered or grafted saplings. Buy from reputable nurseries to receive proper cultivation advice and the best pricing.

2. Preparing the Planting Soil

Purple longans can adapt to various soil types, but they thrive best in light sandy loam or basaltic red soil. Before planting, the soil should be prepared and improved 1 to 2 months in advance by sterilizing with agricultural lime, applying base organic manure, and using soil-conditioning products.

Because of its captivating purple color, it can also be successfully grown in containers as an ornamental purple longan tree. When growing in containers, make sure to choose large pots with a diameter of 1 meter or more, or build concrete planters. Potted plants require extra attention to nutritional management.

3. Tree Care Regimen

Caring for purple longans requires attention to watering schedules and periodic fertilization. Annually supplement with micronutrient fertilizers to help the tree bear fruit faster and produce aesthetically pleasing fruit skins. Common pests and diseases affecting purple longans are similar to those of other longans and have suitable specialized treatments available.