Carambola is also known as star fruit. What are its growing conditions?
Carambola, also known as yangtao and wulianzi, is a typical tropical fruit tree native to Asia. It is now widely cultivated in southern China, Taiwan, China, and the Philippines. In recent years it has become increasingly rare on the market because its growing conditions mean its yield is not high. Below is an introduction to the growing conditions of the tropical fruit “star fruit” carambola!
1. Climate requirements
Carambola is a typical tropical fruit, so it likes a warm climate and fears frost. Only tropical and subtropical regions suit it. It has extremely high temperature requirements. If the growing environment temperature is below 10 degrees, the plant will grow poorly and is very prone to dropping flowers and fruit. If the temperature is 4 degrees, frost damage will occur. Therefore, in China only Hainan, Taiwan, China, and areas such as eastern Guangdong and western Guangdong can grow it.
2. Light requirements
Although carambola likes to grow under high temperatures, it is a fruit tree that is relatively shade-tolerant and fears strong light. Young fruit in particular, if exposed to strong light, is very prone to sunscald, which affects fruit quality. Therefore, when establishing a grove, choose an appropriately shaded environment, or reasonably intercrop with some tall trees, so that the tall trees can block strong light for it and allow it to grow in a shaded environment.
3. Soil requirements
Carambola also has relatively strict soil requirements. Although it can flower and fruit normally in poor mountainous environments and in fertile plain areas, in poor mountainous areas it grows slowly, and its yield is lower and fruit quality poorer, while in fertile plains it grows well and has many flowers and fruits, but it is very prone to waterlogging damage. Therefore, when planting in poor mountainous areas, improve soil fertility and apply base fertilizer well, and when planting in plains, take good drainage and waterlogging prevention measures.
4. Water requirements
Carambola also has extremely high water requirements. It grows quickly and can flower and fruit multiple times a year, so it needs a large amount of water year-round. Long-term drought will not cause the plant to die, but it will cause flower drop, leaf drop, and fruit drop, and will also affect fruit growth and development. However, too much water is also unfavorable to plant growth and is very prone to water accumulation and root rot. Therefore, when planting, water must be controlled. Water promptly during drought, but do not water too much at one time; water frequently and in small amounts, and drain promptly during rainy weather.
The above are the carambola growing conditions introduced by Tuliu.com. Carambola has very high nutritional value, and especially the fresh fruit is very rich in sugar. However, note that carambola is slightly cold in nature, so eating too much can easily cause damp-cold in the spleen and stomach, hindering appetite and digestive absorption. Therefore, whether eating the fresh fruit or drinking the juice, it is best not to consume it chilled or with ice.