Do you enjoy
the sour taste of sour fruit? They are not only delicious but also nutritious.
In particular, sour fruits are the storehouse of vitamin C and other valuable
nutrients. One of the most popular sour fruits is the star fruit. It is a
favorite fruit of many for its unique star shape and refreshing taste. Besides,
it has many incredible health benefits. This is why sour lovers plant star
fruit trees in their roof gardens or backyards. Do you want to plant a star
fruit tree in your home garden? Have you clicked the article to learn how
to grow and care for a star fruit tree? Yes, this is the best article on Google
for learning about star fruit growing and care. Continue reading the article
till the end. In this article, I will share everything you need to know about
star fruit trees. So, let's learn how to grow a star fruit tree at home
easily.
Star Fruit Tree
What is a Star Fruit Tree?
The star
fruit tree is an evergreen tree. It is a medium-sized tree. It grows 15 to 25
feet tall. Its branches are thick and covered all around. The leaves are
compound and 1 to 3 inches long. The bark of this tree is black and smooth. Its
fruit is 3 to 6 inches in diameter and ribbed. The fruit is green when unripe
and turns yellow when ripe. Usually, star fruit tastes a mix of sour and sweet.
Some star fruit trees bear fruit more than once or throughout the year. It is a
fruit rich in vitamins A and C. The star fruit tree should be planted during
the rainy season and it bears fruits from September to January.
How to Grow Star Fruit Tree
To grow star
fruit trees, you can germinate seeds. In this context, you can follow the
paper towel method to germinate seeds. Again, you can buy plants from the
nursery and grow them in your favorite home garden. However, you can follow
either of these two methods to grow a star fruit tree. And, if you want to grow
a star fruit tree after bringing plants from the nursery, keep them in a shady place
for 3-4 days after bringing them home from the nursery. Then grow the plants in
your garden container or on the ground and continue nursing. Now learn how to
plant a star fruit tree step by step.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choosing the Right Place
Star fruit tree needs
sufficient sunlight. So, choose a sunny place where it gets 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.
2. Preparing Suitable Soil
Star fruit tree grows well in
fertile loam and well-draining soil with pH
levels between 5.5 and 6.5. So, prepare the soil by mixing cow dung and
compost.
3. Planting a Star Fruit Tree
Planting a star fruit tree is
very easy. To plant it, dig a hole for each tree
twice the size of the root ball. Place it in the hole and cover the root ball
with prepared soil. Lastly, water properly at the roots of the tree.
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4. Caring for Star Fruit Tree
a. Watering
When the soil
turns dry and white, water the tree. And, keep mulching around the base to
retain moisture. Avoid overwatering.
b. Fertilizing
Apply
balanced fertilizers according to 10-10-10 NPK or organic liquid manure every
4-6 weeks during the growing season. Apply potassium, magnesium, and iron-rich
fertilizers for better fruiting.
c. Pruning
Remove dead,
diseased, or crowded branches annually. Always maintain an open canopy for
sunlight penetration and air circulation.
5. Controlling Common Pests and Diseases
Fruit Flies,
aphids, and Scales are the main pests of the star fruit tree. Prevent them by
using fruit fly traps and spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil. And, leaf
spot and root rot are the mentionable diseases of the star fruit tree. Spray
fungicides to prevent them.
6. Harvesting Star Fruit
Star fruits
are ready to harvest when they turn bright yellow and firm. Avoid overripe
fruits because they lose their firmness and taste. And, use sharp shears to cut
stems gently and avoid bruising.
7. Storing Star Fruit
Store star
fruit in a cool and dry place for up to 2 weeks. You can refrigerate it to
extend freshness to 3-4 weeks.
Finally, a star
fruit tree is an excellent source of vitamin C. If you eat star fruit
regularly, your immunity will increase manifold. However, from this
article, you have learned well how to plant and care for star fruit. Now, bring
a star fruit tree from your nearest nursery today and plant it in your
home garden or yard. And, wait for vitamin C-rich and delicious star
fruit.
Do you want
to know more about star fruit? If you have anything unknown about this fruit,
mention it in the comment box.
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