Starfruit Seeds (Averrhoa carambola L.) – Tropical Evergreen Tree with Unique Five-Pointed Fruits – Grow Your Own Exotic CarambolaItem NO.: YQ-1767-choice

How to Grow Starfruit (Carambola) from Seeds?

You can collect fresh seeds from ripe starfruit or purchase high-quality seeds directly from us. Plant the seeds as soon as possible, as they lose viability quickly.

Use well-draining, fertile soil. A mix of potting soil, sand, and compost works well. Starfruit prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5).

Plant seeds 1-2 cm (about 0.5 inch) deep in moist soil. You can start them in small pots or directly in the ground if the climate is warm.

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the container in a warm, humid area with temperatures between 25-30°C (77-86°F).

Seeds usually germinate in 1 to 3 weeks. Make sure they get indirect sunlight during this stage.

Once the seedlings have at least 2-3 true leaves and are strong enough, transplant them to a larger pot or directly into the garden.

Starfruit trees need full sun, regular watering, and protection from frost. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Trees grown from seed may take 3-7 years to bear fruit and may not produce fruit identical to the parent.

1. Why do the starfruits we typically eat often lack seeds? There are several reasons:

(1) Variety Differences

Some commercially grown starfruit varieties are seedless or low-seed varieties. These have been selectively bred over time to make the fruit more convenient to eat and more popular in the market.

(2) Insufficient Pollination Conditions

Starfruit requires pollination (typically by bees, wind, etc.) for proper seed development.

If pollination is insufficient during flowering, such as due to poor weather or lack of pollinating insects, the fruit may not develop fully, resulting in either no seeds or very few seeds inside.

(3) Early Harvesting

Sometimes, farms harvest starfruits early for transportation and preservation purposes. While the fruit may grow large, the seeds inside may not have fully developed, which is why you might find the flesh without mature seeds.

(4) Hormonal Treatment (In Some Cases)

Some commercial farming operations may use plant hormones to promote fruit enlargement without seed formation. Although this method is not commonly used for starfruit, it is theoretically possible.

2. When are starfruit seeds typically harvested? How are they stored, and how long can they be preserved?

Harvesting Time:
Starfruit seeds are typically harvested from December to February, when the fruit is fully ripe—usually showing a rich golden yellow color with a slight orange tint. At this stage, the seeds inside are mature and suitable for collection.

Storage:
After harvesting, the seeds should be cleaned to remove any fruit residue and air-dried briefly. For best preservation, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry environment. Refrigeration is recommended.

Storage Duration:
In a refrigerated and dry environment (3-7°C / 37-45°F), starfruit seeds can be stored for 6 to 12 months while maintaining good germination potential. For best results, avoid frequent temperature fluctuations or moisture exposure.

Q: To which countries can you ship seeds?

A:

We have dedicated shipping methods that allow us to deliver to all countries (such as the United States, Canada, European Union countries, Australia, Africa, Asia, Mexico, and other countries in the Americas, as well as remote island nations). We ensure that you will receive your order.

Q: To which countries can you ship large bulbs and live plants (such as plant roots, rhizomes, and seedlings)?

A:

Currently, we support shipping to the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, Luxembourg, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Latvia, and Mexico.

Q: How long will it take to receive my order after placing it?

A:

Typically, you will receive your order within 7-15 calendar days.

Q: Is there anything I should pay attention to when placing an order?

A:

Please make sure to fill in the correct recipient name, shipping address, postal code, and phone number.

Q: Will I need to handle customs clearance when the package arrives in my country?

A:

No, you do not need to handle customs clearance. We use special shipping channels for plants, and you only need to wait for the package to be delivered to your door.

Q: Where can I track the shipping status of my package?

A:

(1) Cainiao Standard Shipping:

• https://global.cainiao.com/

(2) China Post Special Line / ePacket:

• https://www.17track.net/en

• https://www.ems.com.cn/english

Q: What should I do if the shipping status of my package hasn't updated for a long time?

A:

Your package will have a secondary tracking number. Please contact us, and we will provide you with the local tracking number for further tracking.