The annual cycle of litchi tree growth and development can be divided into three stages: shoot growth and development, flower bud differentiation, flower organ growth and development, and fruit growth and development. Among them, the growth and development period of new shoots can be divided into four stages: spring shoots, summer shoots, autumn shoots and winter shoots. In the fruiting period, litchi should control the winter shoots and protect the autumn shoots. Fruit development can be divided into three stages: embryo development stage, fast-growing peel stage and fast-growing pulp stage. The physiological changes of litchi fruit development can be divided into three stages: young fruit-bearing stage (7- 14 days after fruit opening), middle fruit-bearing stage (pulp develops to swell) and fruit-bearing stage before picking (generally within 10 days before picking).

Litchi is a long-lived fruit tree. Hundreds or even thousands of years old trees still bear countless fruits.

The age when litchi begins to bear fruit is closely related to the propagation method, variety and management level of seedlings. However, litchi trees propagated by grafting or grafting can blossom after 2-3 years of planting. However, litchi is a tall tree species, and its vegetative growth consumes a lot of nutrients, so there are few fruits, and it will be harvested after 5-6 years.

Varieties with vigorous nutritional growth, such as jujube, begin to bear fruit late; Varieties with less vigorous vegetative growth, such as Tang Bao and Heli, are more likely to turn to reproductive growth and become flowers, and begin to bear fruit earlier.

Litchi trees with fine management entered the fruiting period earlier, such as 1975 planting 125 plants in Minfeng Ketang Village, Maowang Town, Bojiu County, and intercropped citrus after planting, which has a high management level. 1977 litchi crown has a diameter of 2.0m and a height of1.8m, with an average yield of 75kg per plant. The extensive management of litchi trees entered the fruiting period late, such as poor management after planting in Anfu Village, Daxin Town, Pingnan County, and the tree was weak, and only a small amount of harvest was obtained after 7-8 years. Generally speaking, after 5-6 years, there is a small amount of harvest, and the plant yield reaches 20-25 kg in 8- 10 year. After 20 years, the plant yield reached 50-75 kg.