Seeds will germinate in 9 to 25 days, the earlier, the more vigor in the seedling. Washed seeds will remain viable in moist sawdust, sphagnum moss or charcoal for 3-4 weeks, and some will even sprout in storage. The juice of the flesh inhibits germination. Accordingly, unwashed seeds or seeds treated with the juice can be held for a month in moist sawdust without sprouting. Rambutan seedlings bear in 5-6 years, but the ratio of female to male trees is 4 or 5 to 7.
Vegetative propagation is essential.
Cuttings have been rooted experimentally under mist and with the use of growth-promoting hormones, but this technique is not being practiced. After 2 or 3 months, the scion is notched 3 times over a period of 2 weeks and then severed from the parent tree. Patch-budding is preferred as having a much greater rate of success. If the trees are set too close to each other, they will become overcrowded in a few years and production will be seriously affected. Irrigation is given as needed in dry seasons.