Growing Starfruit in New Zealand

Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a striking tropical fruit tree known for its glossy leaves and star-shaped fruit. Despite its exotic appearance, it is surprisingly well-suited to subtropical climates and can be grown successfully in many parts of New Zealand. With protection from frost, free-draining soil, and shelter from winter wet, starfruit can be both an ornamental and productive addition to the garden. Established trees are already fruiting in places such as Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland, Kerikeri, and the Far North, and container culture allows them to be grown even further south.

Flavour and Appeal

The fruit is crisp, juicy, and refreshing, with a flavour that varies from sweet to tangy depending on ripeness. We think they taste somewhat like a sweet granny smith apple and only grow the sweet types.

Time to Fruiting

Starfruit trees usually begin flowering and fruiting within 3–5 years from seed. Vigorous, well-cared-for trees often fruit earlier, while stress (such as pruning) can sometimes encourage mature trees to set flowers.

Pollination

Although a single tree can fruit on its own, starfruit generally perform better with cross-pollination. Planting two seedlings together ensures reliable crops, as seedlings vary in their degree of self-fertility.

Growing Conditions

Starfruit thrive in frost-free sites with free-draining soil or potting mix. They tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to semi-shade, but trees in full sun tend to crop more heavily. Moderate wind protection is also beneficial, as they grow best with some shelter among other trees. In colder regions, container growing is strongly recommended, as pots can be moved to shelter during winter.

Fertiliser and Watering

Young trees can be fertilised lightly once established, then treated like any other fruit tree with regular feeding. Starfruit are not particularly prone to root rot, but it is still best to avoid watering when the soil is already moist. Always check a few centimetres below the surface before watering again.

Cold Tolerance

Starfruit tolerate temperatures down to around –1 °C, becoming hardier with age. Young trees are especially vulnerable and should always be protected from frost. In warmer regions of the North Island, mature trees can be grown successfully outdoors, while in colder areas they are best suited to container growing or greenhouse protection.

Container Growing

Starfruit adapt well to pots and are often best grown this way for the first few years. Once larger and more resilient, they can be planted in the ground in suitable climates. Any quality potting mix will work, though adding perlite or another amendment improves drainage. Pot trees up gradually as they grow, and always allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again.

Varieties we grow:

Kari: Possibly the sweetest type. Juicy, sweet, citrus-like flavour.

Fwang Tung: Very sweet Thai selection known for its pale-coloured fruits that taste of green apple.

Giant Siam: Produces extra-large fruits with a good typical starfruit flavour.

Sri Kembangan: A Malaysian variety that produces very sweet and dark-yellow fruits. Similar to Kari but larger.

Below: Our starfruit, grown in West Harbour, Auckland.