Purple star apple (caimito) is a beautiful tree with shiny green leaves with golden-bronze undersides and sweet, milky purple fruit that shows a star pattern when cut. (Chrysophyllum cainito)
Shop this plant: Purple Star Apple / Caimito Grafted Plant 30+ Inch
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained soil; adapts to sand and limestone.
- Watering: Regular water the first year.
Sun
Full sun.
Soil
Well-drained soil; adapts to sand and limestone.
Watering
Regular water the first year. Established trees tolerate dry periods but fruit better with steady moisture.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Balanced fertilizer with minor elements every 2-3 months March-September for young trees; 2-3 times a year for mature trees.
Pruning
Prune after harvest to control height at 15-20 ft and to keep branches within reach.
Cold Protection
Damaged below about 30°F. Protect young trees with frost cloth.
Container vs. In-Ground
Can be kept in a large pot when young; best in the ground long term.
Spacing
20-25 ft apart.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Grafted trees often fruit in 2-4 years. Flowers in summer-fall; fruit ripens in late winter through spring.
Harvest
Fruit doesn't fall when ripe, so clip it. Ripe fruit is dull purple, slightly wrinkled near the stem and gives to pressure. Unripe fruit is very sticky and astringent.
Common Pests and Diseases
Start with organic, low-impact fixes: good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit and leaves, and soaps or oils before anything stronger. Always follow label directions.
Scale insects
How to identify: Bumps on stems and leaves, sooty mold.
Organic-first treatment: Horticultural oil; control ants.
Caribbean fruit fly
How to identify: Larvae in fruit.
Organic-first treatment: Harvest promptly and remove fallen fruit.
Leaf spots (fungal)
How to identify: Brown spots in wet seasons.
Organic-first treatment: Prune for airflow; copper spray if serious.
FAQ
How do I know caimito is ripe? The skin turns dull and slightly wrinkled near the stem. Don't wait for it to drop.
Is it self-fruitful? Yes.
Is it a good shade tree? Yes, it's ornamental and makes good shade.
Related Reading
- Grafted vs. Seedling Fruit Trees
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes
Ready to grow your own? Get the Purple Star Apple (Caimito) here.
