Rambutan Farming in the Philippines

November 8, 2023 by Lauro Braganza

Do you know that rambutan farming is a very profitable and lucrative agriculture business? In Batangas, many farmers are turning their lands into rambutan plantations.

Rambutan is one of the most decorative plants out there. In addition, it produces delicious exotic fruits that can be incorporated into multiple recipes and are easy to grow at home. However, if you have this type of fruit tree, or you are thinking of acquiring one, you should take into account some tips to ensure that your tree grows healthy and strong, to bear better fruit.

Read this article carefully and learn how to care for a rambutan. Find out what type of soil, climate, and irrigation they need and properly grow a rambutan in your garden.

How to plant and grow rambutan steps

The climate is one of the most important factors for the optimal growth of the rambutan, as it needs the humidity of a tropical climate. This tree requires full sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon. In addition, it must be protected from the wind since otherwise, it could damage it and even knock it down.
The characteristics of the soil where rambutan will grow best have a lot to do with the type of climate. In this way, you will need it to always be moist, that is, wet enough for the plant to stay 100% hydrated.
On the other hand, the type of soil that this fruit tree requires must be very rich in nutrients and must drain well; that is to say, the soil must absorb the water without puddling. Avoid soils with high levels of acidity or soils prone to suffering consequences from climatic changes.
The soil for the rambutan to grow well also needs a good amount of homemade compost and a good amount of marinade, so that the soil is very fertile. You will also make the soil drain better.
Regarding irrigation, if you want the soil to be very humid – as we have commented previously – you must supply water to the rambutan first thing in the morning or at night, that is, during the hours when the sun does not hit too hard. Remember: do it only when you notice that the soil loses its moisture level or begins to dry out.
To grow your rambutan, you can also use pots, especially if it is small. Thus, in addition, you can keep it indoors if the temperatures are very cold or there is a change of season. However, you should bear in mind that plastic pots do not keep the temperature well, as they cool and heat up quickly.
On the other hand, ceramic pots will perfectly support the weight of the fruit tree branches and will last longer. Whichever you choose, make sure it has holes at the bottom to drain the water and prevent the roots of the rambutan from rotting.
Finally, check with your garden store or nursery for the appropriate insecticides or pesticides to combat possible rambutan pests.

Questions related to Rambutan farming

How long does it take for a rambutan plant to bear fruit?

The rambutan trees bear fruits after they turn seven years if planted from seeds but can bear fruit as early as 3 years if grafted. Like nutmeg, rambutan also has male and female plants. It can be cultivated in a completely organic method. Rambutan can be grown at an altitude of 1800-2000 feet from sea level. Budded trees may fruit after two to three years with optimum production occurring after eight to 10 years. Trees grew from seed bears after five to six years.

Is rambutan easy to grow?

It’s simple to grow a rambutan from seed, although the seedlings may take five to six years or more to bear fruit. Extract the elongated, pale brown seed from a ripe rambutan fruit. The flesh and juices from the fruit inhibit germination, so wash the seed thoroughly before attempting to germinate it.

How many rambutan trees per acre?

It is best to plant up to 35 seedlings per acre to get proper sunlight. In most cases, however, planting densities vary between 100 (10 x 10 m) and 285 (5 x 7 m) trees per hectare.

Is rambutan profitable in the Philippines?

According to some experts from ILAARRDEC, rambutan is very profitable in the Ilocos region, especially if the tree receives the right cultural management practices. In Batangas, rambutan is widely cultivated and makes profits for farmers.

What month is rambutan season in the Philippines?

It is best eaten when it is bright red, which means it’s ripe and sweet. They are in season from August to October but in other parts of the country, some trees bear fruit in January.

Where is the best place to plant a rambutan?

Choose a part-sunny spot with well-drained soil. Rambutans can also grow in full sun, but ensure there is shade protection.

How much is a kilo of rambutan in the Philippines?

In 2022, the average farmgate price of rambutan in the Philippines was at 34.59 Philippine pesos per kilo. This reflects an increase from the previous year’s average price of about 29.26 Philippine pesos per kilo. The price varies per season though depending on availability. Sometimes, it costs as high as P70 per kilo.

What is the distance in planting rambutan?

Rambutan is planted at 6×6 meters. The trees are irrigated during dry months and now drip irrigation is adopted by several growers. The trees propagated through seedlings start fruiting at 6-7 years while grafted trees start fruiting from 3 to 4 years.

Is rambutan self pollinating?

Rambutan requires cross-pollination for fertilization. Trees established from seeds tend to produce 50% male flowering trees which will never bear fruits and 50% female functional flowers.

Can rambutan grow from cuttings?

Rambutan can be successfully propagated by layering, grafting, and seeds.