⭐ Star Fruit: Growing Guide
Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 5–38 °C (41–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Space plants about 400 cm (157 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Averrhoa carambola |
|---|---|
| Category | Tropical Fruits |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 400 cm (157 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 5–38 °C (41–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 300–1000 cm (118–394 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Regular watering.
Growing tips
Yellow star shape. Sweet-sour. Tropical Southeast Asia. Grow indoors in a pot.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Star Fruit: when should I sow and plant it?
Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Aug. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
Star Fruit: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Regular watering.
Star Fruit: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 400 cm (157 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Star Fruit: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Star Fruit: which plants grow well with it?
Mango.
Star Fruit: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Fruit fly.
Plan your garden
Add Star Fruit to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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