How to grow Star Fruit in Australia
A tropical tree for full sun and rich, moist, well drained soil. It needs regular water and high humidity, and dislikes cold and drying wind.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 10 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 600 cm
- Time to harvest: 300 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to March | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to March | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | October to January | Marginal tropical; inconsistent fruiting in Sydney; requires sheltered warm microclimate. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Tropical; frost lethal. Melbourne winter unsuitable. |
| Adelaide & SA | Not suited | Mediterranean: unsuitable. Star Fruit tropical; needs year-round warmth. Not viable Adelaide/Perth. |
| Perth & WA | Not suited | Mediterranean: unsuitable. Star Fruit tropical; needs year-round warmth. Not viable Adelaide/Perth. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Tropical tree. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Star Fruit unsuitable for Canberra: tropical; frost-intolerant; requires warmth and humidity. Not viable. |
| North Queensland | September to March | Wet season. Star fruit is tropical tree fruit; thrives in heat and humidity. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Wet season. Star fruit is tropical tree fruit; thrives in heat and humidity. |
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Ripe when the ribs turn deep yellow with light browning on the edges and a sweet smell. Twist or cut from the branch; it does not sweeten much once picked.
Storage
Bench until ripe (golden, slightly translucent), fridge for up to 1 week.