The star fruit is a high source of vitamin C, B9, B6, and B2, as well as dietary fibre. It also includes a variety of minerals, including iron, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium. With just 31 calories per 100 grams, this fruit is low in calories. And the star fruit tree is wonderful, too!
A fully grown tree can yield 200–400 pounds of fruit annually. The star fruit has a pulpy texture similar to grapes. The flavour is compared to feijoa but has acidic elements such as banana, pear, and pineapple.
It's also a very well-liked decorative plant. This tree may add visual appeal to your yard with its attractive clusters of lilac-coloured blooms and gorgeous leaves. More pollinators may visit your yard due to the flowers' ability to draw bees.
When To Plant?
As a tropical, the star fruit tree should be planted where frost isn't likely. It's still wise to plant this tree in the early spring to ensure it has time to settle in before the hot months.
Warm soil is necessary for carambola seeds to germinate. To guarantee optimal germination, use a seedling heating mat set at a minimum temperature of 70 degrees. Before transplanting young trees into the ground, you'll probably still need to cultivate them in containers for a while—possibly up to two or three years.
Where To Plant?
To ensure optimal star fruit growth, full sun is required. Ensure your starfruit tree is protected from the wind and gets at least 8 hours of sunlight daily. These plants cannot survive in alkaline soils, strong winds, or cold weather.
The distance between your tree and any other trees or buildings should be 20 to 30 feet. This lessens the possibility that the tree may receive excessive shade. Similarly, trees growing in containers must be kept well away from other trees and buildings for optimal growth.
Planting A Starfruit Tree: A Guide
Starfruit trees can be planted all year round in the tropics; in cooler climates, carambolas should be planted in the summer.
These trees can be propagated by grafting or seeds. That said, seeds from this specific fruit are only viable for a short amount of time, only days at most, so select the freshest seeds available to increase the chances of germination. Another option is to attempt grafting starfruit growth. Harvest graft wood from fully grown twigs with leaves and, ideally, buds. For rootstocks, one-year-old seedlings in good health should be utilised.
Starfruit Tree Maintenance
- Planting star fruit trees in full sun and giving them regular irrigation all year round is recommended. Be careful, though, as starfruit trees are sensitive to overwatering.
- Once the trees are established, fertilise them lightly every 60 to 90 days if your soil is not particularly fertile. After that, fertilise once or twice a year with a fertiliser that has the following contents: 2–4% phosphoric acid, 6–8% nitrogen, 2–8% potash, and 2-4% magnesium.
- Certain soils can cause chlorosis in trees. Use chelated iron and other micronutrients topically to cure chlorotic trees.
- Remember that starfruit trees require shelter from cold weather because they are subtropical. If you experience cold temperatures, be cautious when covering the trees.
- Pruning the trees is rarely necessary. They also don't have many health problems, although in areas where fruit flies, fruit moths, and fruit spotting bugs are an issue, they can be vulnerable to these pests.