“In the ground — 'this one I believe is an arkin.' The in-ground starfruit trial.”
Background
Developed by Morris Arkin, a retired stockbroker turned backyard horticulturist in Coral Gables, Florida. U.S. commercial carambola cultivation dates to the 1970s, largely because of Arkin's work, and the 'Arkin' variety represented about 98% of the carambola acreage in South Florida in the early 21st century — the leading commercial cultivar. It was hybridized to thrive in Florida's subtropical conditions.
Distinguishing traits
Uniform medium-to-large fruit, 4-5 inches long, bright yellow to yellow-orange skin and flesh. Very sweet, juicy, firm flesh with few seeds. Partially self-fertile; bears December to March in California conditions. Keeps and ships well. Medium-sized evergreen tree (15-20 ft) that can be kept smaller with pruning; suitable for containers.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- None (tropical evergreen)
- Cold hardiness
- Mature trees tolerate brief dips to about 27°F; young trees killed near 32°F. Brief freezes are the risk; frost cloth or placement near structures helps.
- Heat tolerance
- Tolerates desert heat with irrigation; suffers in hot, dry winds. Deep, infrequent watering plus mulch is the desert formula.
- Water
- Consistent moisture; thrives on regular deep waterings during fruit development. Avoid waterlogging.
- Soil
- Tolerant of sand, clay, and limestone in Florida groves, but prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. In alkaline desert soil, acidify and supplement iron.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun preferred, but afternoon shade is beneficial in 115°F+ heat; in-ground trial should have wind shelter.
Where to buy
- Sow Exotic