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Carambola: Growing the Star Fruit Tree
Tropical

Carambola: Growing the Star Fruit Tree

Averrhoa carambola

Carambola care (Averrhoa carambola): tropical tree with star-shaped fruit. Full sun, fertile well-drained soil, frost-tender, humid warmth.

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Characteristics

Scientific nameAverrhoa carambola
Height5-10 m
Sunlightpieno sole
Watermedia
Soilfertile drenante
Toxicitylievemente tossica
Growthmedia
Temperature12 a 35 °C
FloweringApr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
IrrigationWater regularly to keep the soil moist in the heat, without waterlogging; reduce in the cold months.

Carambola (Averrhoa carambola), or star fruit, is a tropical evergreen tree grown for its yellow, ribbed fruit that, cut crosswise, forms a star, juicy and sweet-tart. It wants full sun, fertile, well-drained soil, warmth and humidity, and regular water. It is frost-tender. It reaches 5-10 metres. Caution: not advised for people with kidney problems.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: media — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: fertile drenante. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

How long does carambola take to fruit?
It is fairly precocious: a grafted tree fruits in 3-4 years and in warm climates can crop more than once a year; it is frost-tender, though.
Is star fruit bad for the kidneys?
It contains caramboxin and oxalates: it is not advised for people with kidney failure, for whom it can be toxic; for everyone else it is a safe, tasty fruit.

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