How much does a carambola (star fruit) sapling cost? Plant it this way for a high yield

Carambola, also known as wulianzi and yangtao, is a tropical fruit with very high nutritional value. Because of its attractive appearance and its sweet-and-sour, juicy flesh that combines the flavors of mango, grape and lemon, it is very popular, and it is planted in many regions. So how much does a carambola sapling cost? How do you plant it for a high yield?

I. Introduction to the carambola tree:

1. Where does carambola come from?

Carambola has many places of origin and is distributed both in China and abroad. Abroad it is found in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and other places, with Malaysia being the original place of origin, and carambola in China was introduced from that country. At present it is cultivated in Taiwan, China, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Yunnan and other places.

2. What varieties of carambola trees are there?

American red carambola, Malaysian sweet carambola B10, Malaysian sweet carambola B17, Taiwan honey carambola, four-season carambola.

II. How much does a carambola sapling roughly cost?

Carambola saplings are not expensive, generally around 5-10 yuan each, but prices vary depending on variety, place of origin and time of sale. For example, four-season red carambola saplings sell for about 10 yuan each at the market in Lingshan County, Qinzhou City, Guangxi, while Malaysian sweet carambola saplings sell for 6 yuan each at the market in Yuzhou District, Yulin City, Guangxi, so the specific price still needs to be checked at the local market. Recent market prices in various places are as follows:

III. How do you plant carambola for a high yield?

1. Orchard establishment and land preparation: what soil is suitable for planting?

Carambola is suited to growing in deep, loose, fertile soil with good drainage, so when choosing a site, try to pick level or gently sloping loam that faces the sun. Of course, an orchard can also be established on hillside land, but a water source is needed. After choosing the site, plow the soil deeply and dig a hole 1 m wide and 1 m deep, then apply an appropriate amount of base fertilizer and a thin layer of soil in the hole in preparation for later planting.

2. Raising seedlings and field planting: how do you plant them out?

(1) Planting time: spring and autumn.

(2) Planting method: straighten out the roots of the purchased seedlings and plant them in the hole, then fill in a layer of base fertilizer, a thin layer of soil, another layer of base fertilizer, another thin layer of soil, and so on. Finally, spread lime powder on the surface, fill and firm it, and water lightly.

(3) Planting density: generally about 20-25 trees per mu.

3. Field management techniques: how do you manage them?

(1) Water requirements: two to three months after the seedlings are planted out, the amount of watering should be determined according to soil dryness and moisture. Generally, watering a small amount after each fertilization is best, as it not only dilutes the fertilizer but also allows the plant to absorb it well.

(2) Fertilizer requirements: one month after the seedlings are planted out and have survived, start topdressing according to the principle of frequent light applications. After two months, appropriately apply farmyard manure or organic fertilizer to promote plant growth. The specific topdressing techniques are as follows:

(2.1) Flower-forcing fertilizer: in March-April, apply to each seedling about 1 jin of compound fertilizer, 1 jin of urea and about 5 jin of decomposed human and livestock manure. By July, apply to each seedling another 15 jin or so of decomposed organic fertilizer.

(2.2) Flower-promoting fertilizer: in August, apply 10-20 g of urea per seedling to promote flowering and fruiting.

(2.3) Winter fertilizer: in December, apply an appropriate amount of organic matter fertilizer per mu to strengthen the tree's vigor and cold resistance and reduce leaf drop and dead branches in winter.

(3) Shaping and pruning: when the seedlings reach about 55 cm, prune away useless surrounding branches, diseased branches, diseased leaves and overly dense shoots according to the tree shape, to ensure each branch has sufficient nutrients. Generally, keep 3-4 small buds per branch; when the side branches reach 50 cm, pinch out the growing tip to encourage side branches to sprout. As a rule, pruning once each after fruit harvest in spring and when new shoots grow in summer is best.

(4) Disease control: how do you control them?

During the growing period, carambola trees can suffer from diseases such as anthracnose and red spot, so control measures should be taken to avoid affecting growth and yield.

(4.1) Anthracnose: mostly occurs at the ripening stage. Spray Bordeaux mixture or copper oxychloride at intervals of about 13 days for control; two or three consecutive sprays can effectively control it.

(4.2) Red spot: can occur at any stage and can be controlled by methods such as cleaning the orchard and deep plowing the soil.

Overall, a carambola sapling can be bought for about 5-10 yuan, but prices vary with variety and market, so it is best to check at the local market. In addition, carambola is easy to grow; as long as basic management such as water and fertilizer, pruning, and pest and disease control is done well, a high yield can be achieved.