How to encourage Star Apple tree to flower and fruit?

[Kurian5]

 

Star Apple tree not flowering or fruiting

[EricL]

Hello @Kurian5 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your star apple.

Encouraging a star apple tree to flower and fruit requires the right combination of age, climate, watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Since you’re in Sydney, you’ll want to make sure your tree is getting as much warmth as possible, as star apples thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. If it's still young, patience is key—most star apple trees take at least 5 to 7 years to start fruiting.
 

To boost flowering, make sure your tree is getting full sun and isn’t shaded too much. Star apples can tolerate partial shade, but more sunlight generally leads to better flowering. Watering should be consistent but not excessive—too much water, especially in the growing season, can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. If your soil drains poorly, consider improving it with compost and organic matter.
 

Feeding the tree properly is essential. A balanced fruit tree fertilizer with good amounts of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) will encourage flowering and fruiting. You could use something like citrus and fruit tree fertilizer from Bunnings. Too much nitrogen (N) can lead to lush green growth with fewer flowers, so avoid overdoing high-nitrogen fertilizers. Adding some sulphate of potash in late winter or early spring can also help promote blooming.
 

Pruning can also encourage fruiting, especially if your tree has a lot of leggy or overcrowded branches. Light pruning in late winter to remove excess growth and open up the canopy can help sunlight reach more branches, which can stimulate flowering.
 

Lastly, if your tree is old enough but still not fruiting, hand-pollination may help, as star apples are often pollinated by insects. You can try using a small paintbrush to transfer pollen between flowers if natural pollination seems low.
 

If you have had cold weather or inconsistent conditions, this can also delay flowering, so giving your tree some extra care, warmth, and balanced feeding should help.

Here are some specific Bunnings products to encourage your star apple tree to flower and fruit:

• Yates Thrive Natural Citrus & Fruit Fertiliser – Balanced nutrition for growth and fruiting (apply in spring & late summer).
   
• Richgro Sulphate of Potash – Boosts flowering and fruiting (apply late winter & early spring).
   
• PowerFeed Fruit & Flower – Liquid fertilizer for flowering support (apply fortnightly in the growing season).
   
• Seasol Seaweed Solution – Strengthens roots and improves overall health (use regularly).
   
• Rocky Point ActivGrow Soil Improver – Enhances soil quality and nutrient uptake.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric