However, watch for any symptoms of plant diseases that are common in humid locations. The puree can also be used to make jams or jellies. In addition, while mature trees can handle cold temperatures for short periods of time, it comes with varying stages of potential damage. For people who have kidney disease, star fruit is generally not recommended at all, as it contains high amounts of oxalic acid. For example, in Spain and the surrounding areas, the tree is known by the name carambola. Finally, root rot caused by Pythium fungi can occur in overly-wet soil conditions. The star fruit season is long, with harvestable fruit appearing from June sometimes all the way to the following February. An important message from Logee's about Covid-19, Featuring special offers, promotions, tips. When cut in cross-sections, the indentations make it form a star, hence the name of starfruit. Instead, make sure that if there’s large rocks that they’ve been removed, and that the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic. While typically not very dangerous to your tree, they do provide the warning that your tree is suffering some sort of stress. Anthracnose fruit rot is not uncommon, but you’ll usually see anthracnose leaf spotting first. We're always looking to improve our articles to help you become an even better gardener. At temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, carambola fruit production stops. Algal rust is caused by Cephaleuros virescens. A mature tree can produce as much as 200 to 400 pounds of fruits every year. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The carambola is a tropical and subtropical fruit which can be grown at elevations up to 1,200 metres (4,000 feet). Do your pruning in late winter before spring growth starts in earnest. Here’s some tips on planting these the right way. In the north, temperatures need to be at least 60° F for flowering to begin. Once fruit is infected, dispose of the damaged fruit. In Indonesia, it is called bilimbi, although that name also refers to Averrhoa bilimbi, and thus isn’t used to refer to star fruit often. Pruning Star Fruit plants have an upward growth habit. Carambola tree can be between 6 to 10 meters tall. Click here for holiday closings & specific hours each month. Carambola starfruit trees are subtropical and in ideal conditions can reach a height of about 25-30 feet (8-9 m.) and 20-25 feet (6-8 m.) across. Star Fruit is low in calories and low in sugar so it's an ideal fruit for the whole family to enjoy. It was introduced to the subcontinent and Sri Lanka by Austronesian-speaking traders. Once the plant sets fruit, it often produces a heavy crop. Treatment of the leaves should prevent the spread to the fruit and to prevent a risk to your tree’s fruit production. Carambola trees are moderately-high feeders. Carambolas do well in a wide variety of soil textures. Stink bugs and squash bugs both can create small holes in the fruit that can then allow in fungal or bacterial pathogens, causing the fruit to rot. For example, in Spain and the surrounding areas, the tree is known by the name carambola. When the grooves in the sides of the fruit are completely yellow, and only the very upper tips of the raised sections are still green, it’s time to start harvesting. Young trees, mature leaves and young branches can be killed at temperatures between 25-29 degrees. A little more about me. For dwarf varieties grown in containers, you should prune back the out-reaching branches. A cross-section of the cut fruit looks like a 5-pointed star. Prolific, pink flowers emerge in clusters off older wood. Where Star Fruit Grows Star Fruit, or Averrhoa carambola. Mature trees should be fertilized 4-6 times per year, and young trees every 30-60 days throughout the growing season. You’ll likely still need to have young trees container grown for a while before you transplant into the soil, possibly as much as 2-3 years. Fertilize young star fruit trees with 1/2 pound of mixed fertilizer, with a 6-6-6-3 formulation, every 60 to 90 days... 3. Home-grown star fruit trees that are protected from high wind can often be harvested within 10-14 months of planting provided that they’re 2 years or older. Reduce watering in the winter months when it’s unnecessary. The Averrhoa carambola tree is generally multi-branched, with dark-green bushy foliage. As a potted plant, not all Star fruit are created equal. Let’s go over the conditions that your tree wants to produce incredible star fruit! A soaker hose around the tree can be used to do a slow, deep watering, but base your placement on a ring that’s at about the midpoint of the tree’s canopy all the way around. Three different types of scale insects are common pests for carambola. This should be done during the winter while the tree is dormant. Generally, young grafted plants will begin blooming right away at 1.5' in height and the young tree will even bear a few fruit. However, the tree and the fruit have many common names in different regions. However, the tree and the fruit have many common names in different regions. Water your star fruit tree regularly from bloom through harvest. Generally trees planted in the ground are pruned hard every year or two to maintain a manageable fruiting height. It comes from Southeast Asia mainly from SriLanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia and is cultivated today mostly in many subtropical and tropical areas. A: Yes and no. Aim for 1-2 deep waterings per week if there hasn’t been rain. Treat with the appropriate micronutrient if these appear. It belongs to the family of Oxalidaceae. Plumose scales (Morganella longispina) and philaphedra scales (Philephedra tuberculosa) attack leaves and twigs. The starfruit contains enough oxalic acid that it may be potentially risky for people with kidney disease to consume it. Having said that, it’s still wise to plant this tree in the early spring to ensure it has time to settle in prior to the hot months. Heavy rains may inhibit fruit production. How to Care for Star Fruit Trees 1. This reduces the likelihood of the tree getting too much shade. It’s also a widely popular ornamental plant. What is star fruit? And the star fruit tree is beautiful, too! Retail Walk-in StoreGreenhouses have Reopened.Click here for Reopening details. While you're here, why not follow us on Facebook and YouTube? The diaprepes weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) causes damage to roots and can cause root and shoot dieback. Manganese deficiencies cause reduced leaf size and yellowing of leaves. Make sure you’re using a seedling heating mat at a temperature of at least 70 degrees to ensure good germination. Full sun is a requirement for the best flowering and fruit set. Keep the soil moist, but not over-saturated, at all times. Here’s how to harvest and store the delicious, tangy fruits. If your tree is in alkaline soil, it may suffer from nutrient deficiencies. is a tropical fruiting tree in the oxalis family that's native to tropical Asia. Prepare your soil in advance by loosening it up in the area where the roots will grow. Make sure your starfruit tree receives at least 8 hours of sunlight every day, and that it’s sheltered from winds.These plants are not tolerant of high winds, cold climates, or in alkaline soils. I created Epic Gardening to help teach 10,000,000 people how to grow anything, no matter where they live in the world. It is usually light to dark yellow in color with slightly darker skin. TemperatureHigh temperatures bring out the best in Star Fruit plants. Be sure it isn’t rootbound and that it’s in good health. Your harvested star fruits can be stored in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 21 days. Each year, it’s also good to examine the tree closely and make sure there are not any inward-growing branches. Do not apply fertilizer, compost, or other additives to the soil. It can grow up to 20 to 30 feet in height and 20 to 25 feet wide, but is often maintained in a smaller size for ease of harvest. It prefers full sun exposure, but requires enough humidity and annual rainfall of at least 1,800 mm (70 in). Magnesium deficiencies produce mottled yellow and green leaves. The star fruit is pulpy with a grape-like texture. Mature trees can be trimmed to maintain them at 6-12 feet in height for ease of harvest. Home » Star Fruit Tree: Growing Unique Tropical Fruit. The star fruit plant goes by the botanical name Averrhoa carambola. When grown outdoors, it performs best in the USDA zones 9 to 11. As a tropical, the star fruit tree should be planted in locations where frost isn’t likely. Selective pruning at the crotch of the branch to remove a couple inward-growing branches will improve airflow and light to the rest of the canopy.