Question
I've been soaking a lychee seed for about two weeks now to soften the shell
and ready a root for planting.  The root has came out only a few millimetres
or so and then nothing seemed to develop over the following couple of days
so I potted it.  Will it grow?  How moist should I keep the soil?  this question
may seem silly but do I pot it with the root growing up or down?  And lastly,
will my plant eventually grow the fruit?  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Gill,
Thanx for your question.  Your question is not silly.  We're here to help so ask whatever you like.  It seems your lychee has germinated and now you've planted it.  If you simply lay the seed in a depression in the soil and cover it, the root will find its way down.  Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.  Make sure the pot drains and does not stand for long periods of time in water.

Yes, eventually, the tree may bear fruit but it could be 15 years or more from what I have read about lychees grown from seed.  Commercially, most fruit trees are grafted onto hardier stock.  This brings them to bear fruit in a couple of years as opposed to 5-7 for deciduous trees bearing fruit like apples, etc.  and 10-15 or more years for certain other fruit and nut trees.  I hope this helps.
Tom