Species star fruit
Yellow-green fruits growing with green leaves on brown stalks.

star fruit

Averrhoa carambola

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a unique and visually appealing addition to any garden. Its elegant five pointed star shape sets it apart from other fruits. Its sweet, slightly sour taste adds a delicious, tropical flavor to salads and fruit bowls. The yellow to orange-colored flesh can also be cooked or juiced. Its crunchy texture and low calorie content make it an excellent choice for healthy snacks. An added bonus of star fruit is its high fiber content, which has been known to help reduce cholesterol levels. With its unusual shape, delicious flavor, and health benefits, star fruit is definitely a winning addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

Rose Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

green,yellow Fruits Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Watering for a star fruit plant should occur about 2 to 3 times per week during the summer months, or about 1 inch of water per week. During winter, water the plant about once a week. Make sure that the soil around the plant stays moist and not waterlogged and take care not to over-water. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. For especially hot, dry climates, water more frequently. Water the plant at the base, not the leaves, or use a soaker hose to ensure that water is reaching the root system, and not the fruit.

sunlight

Star fruit requires a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of sunlight each day to thrive and develop properly. Growth is slower in regions that don't receive an abundance of sunlight, which can lead to smaller fruit and a lack of sweetness.

pruning

The time to prune star fruit trees is during the dormant season. This is typically late winter. Cutting away too much at any given time can damage the tree, so it is always important to prune just one branch at a time. Make sure to remove crossed branches, water sprouts or dead wood. Be sure to leave at least half of the new growth for the tree, as it appears on the branches; anything beyond that can be removed.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Averrhoa carambola, or star fruit, typically begins in July and runs through October.

Starts Flowering

Star fruit typically begins flowering in April and May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Averrhoa carambola, or star fruit, typically begins in July and runs through October.

Hardiness Map