The Carambola, also called Star Fruit, is a small to medium sized tree that produces a juicy tropical fruit. The flavor combines those of the apple, grape and citrus and is crisp in texture. The fruit can be eaten fresh and is often used in salads and as a garnish due to its unique star shape.
When selecting a Star Fruit be sure it is fully yellow then allow to ripen on your counter until the fruit becomes golden and the ribs begin to brown. Some of the common varieties of Carambola include: King, Bell, Sri Kembangan, Arkin, and Fwang Tung. Once your Star Fruit is mature it is capable of producing up to 200 pounds of fruit a year.
TIPS for Growing Starfruit:
- Temperature: Thrive in subtropical and tropical climates. Zone 10 to 11, but can be grown in zone 9 with protection from frost. Older trees are more tolerant of frost, but growth stops at 55 to 60 degrees and prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing could kill the tree.
- Best Dooryard Varieties: Arkin is the most commonly grown variety due to it sweeter flavor.
- Avg. Height and Width: Varies with the variety, but Carambola trees range from about 12 to 30 feet tall. They are a smaller tree perfect for the average homeowner’s yard.
- Native Range: Native to Malaysia, Indonesia and Southern China. Commercial production now occurs in Hawaii, Florida and other tropical regions of the world.
- Fertilize: 4 to 5 times a year with balanced liquid fertilizer or use a slow release granular fertilizer several times during the growing season.
- Water: Star Fruit does well with regular watering. Additional watering is not needed during the rainy season.
- Plant in full sun. Trees will do better in an area that is protected or sheltered from the wind.
- Soil: Carambola are not too particular of soil of types, but grow faster and produce more fruit in a soil with more organic matter. Needs good drainage and does not like wet feet.
We currently have the Arkin variety for sale in the Garden Shoppe and grow the Arkin and Fwang Tung varieties on the grounds of the Estates.
Visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Garden Shoppe to see some of the varieties we have available. The horticulture staff is available to assist you and to answer any further questions you may have.
Tropical Fruit Trees That Grow Best in SW Florida | Tropical Gardens of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Says:
[...] Carambola – Also known as Star Fruit, this tropical fruit is a great ornamental tree for your yard. They produce a large amount of fruit from July to September and again in November to February. They prefer well drained soil, a sunny location and some protection from the wind. They have a sweet, citrus-like flavor that is delicious in salads or a garnish in drinks. [...]
Posted on June 14th, 2011 at 10:47 am
Bret Says:
I have been growing a Carambola (Star Fruit) which I started from seed. It is about three feet tall now but I am having a big problem with Spider mites and the plant seems so sensitive to any bug spray. It is under attack and need your advice. Thanks, Bret
Posted on May 8th, 2012 at 11:29 am
Edison Ford Winter Estates Says:
Hi Bret,
First question I have is-Where are you growing this carambola. I have grown carambola for years without any pest problems. If you are growing inside during the cool months, it is starved for fresh air. It is a tropical and loves humid moist air. Spider mites love dry areas similar to our homes.
Water the carambola well, and spray with horticulture soap or neem oil. Unfortunately, you may drop all of your leaves after spraying, but this should cause the tree to put out new leaves without the spider mite damage.
Anything with spider mite damage will fall off anyway. Sometimes a strong spray from the water hose outside is a good idea too.
Help with humidity.
Try some slow release granular fertilizer (8-2-12) or equivalent. Any fertilizer labeled for fruit trees is good. Small amounts of fertilizer only-it doesn’t need any more stress.
Debbie Hughes, Senior Horticulturist
Posted on May 10th, 2012 at 10:55 am
Evangeline Says:
A foot tall star fruit was bought from a nursery last year and had grown a foot taller than me. It got a couple of flowers at the moment. How long before I can harvest the fruits? Thanks.
Posted on May 21st, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Edison Ford Winter Estates Says:
Hi Evangeline,
The starfruit has flowers throughout the year. The major fruits occur in late summer and winter months. The tree will know how many fruits it can support depending on roots and available nutrients in the soil surrounding. The tree is smart enough to drop what it cannot support. The flowers are formed at this time of year-get pollinated by bees-then form fruit throughout the summer. I say late summer. The fruit must be yellow with a slight green tinge to the ridges. I recommend cutting the ridges off when harvesting to eat. The ridges contain chemical oxylates.
Debbie Hughes, Senior Horticulturist
Posted on May 25th, 2012 at 2:38 pm