Kari Carambola Tree 7G - Urban Abundance

Kari Carambola Tree in 7-Gallon Pot Available in Jupiter, FL

Exceptionally sweet, juicy, and easy to grow, the Kari Carambola (Averrhoa carambola 'Kari') is one of the best starfruit varieties for home gardens in South Florida. With its crisp texture, candy-like flavor, and compact growth habit, Kari is a favorite for both first-time fruit growers and seasoned tropical gardeners.

The 7-gallon size offers a strong, well-rooted tree that’s ready to flourish in your backyard or patio orchard. With the right care, you’ll be harvesting bright yellow, star-shaped fruit almost year-round.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

Sunlight: Full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light each day. This tree thrives in sunny, open areas for maximum fruit production.

Watering: Moderate to high. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting periods. Avoid over-drying, particularly in containers.

Soil: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Enrich with compost or aged organic matter.

Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer for tropical fruit trees (like 8-3-9) 3–4 times annually. Supplement with micronutrients—especially magnesium and iron—for lush growth and high yield.

Growth Habit: Compact and bushy. Typically reaches 12–18 feet tall, but easily maintained at 8–10 feet with pruning. Trees in 7-gallon pots are generally 3–4 feet tall and fast to establish.

Temperature: USDA Zones 10–11. Handles South Florida heat and humidity well. Protect from frost or extended cold; leaf drop is temporary in cooler snaps.

Maintenance: Low to moderate. Prune after harvest to shape and control size. Monitor for aphids, fruit flies, and scale—integrated pest management and neem oil help keep things in check.

Harvest & Seasonality:

Planting Time: Spring or fall is best, but year-round planting is possible in South Florida with consistent irrigation.

Harvest Time: August–October and again from December–February. This tree often produces multiple crops per year.

How to Harvest: Harvest when fruit turns fully yellow with slight gloss. Fruit ripens on the tree and is best eaten fresh or chilled.

Seasonal Notes: Excellent choice for continuous fruiting under South Florida conditions. Performs especially well with consistent watering and light pruning.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:

Kari starfruit is low in calories and high in Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. It aids digestion, supports immune function, and hydrates the body naturally. (Caution: Due to oxalate content, starfruit should be avoided by individuals with kidney disease.)

Ideal For:

• Sweet, snackable fruit for kids and families

• Compact tropical foodscapes and container growing

• Home juicing and fruit salads

• South Florida gardeners wanting reliable yields

• Beginners and experienced growers alike

Plant Classification:

Scientific Name: Averrhoa carambola 'Kari'
Common Name: Kari Carambola, Starfruit
Plant Type: Tropical fruit tree
Family: Oxalidaceae (wood sorrel family)
Class: Dicot – Broadleaf evergreen with net-veined leaves
Growth Form: Compact, rounded evergreen tree
Evergreen/Deciduous: Semi-evergreen—keeps most foliage year-round in South Florida with minor seasonal drop
Perennial or Annual: Perennial—produces multiple crops each year under optimal conditions

Container Size: 7-gallon pot