Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 27 Feb 2026

Grilled star fruit slices: quick-n-fun exotic recipes

Grilled star fruit slices on grill pan

Grilled star fruit slices on grill pan

Averrhoa carambola - Star Fruit Carambola Tree

Averrhoa carambola - Star Fruit Carambola Tree

🍴 Grilled star fruit slices: quick-n-fun exotic recipes



Grilled Star Fruit Slices

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe star fruit (carambola)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Slice the star fruit crosswise into star-shaped pieces.
  2. Heat a grill pan or skillet and lightly grease with butter or coconut oil.
  3. Place the slices on the hot surface and grill briefly on each side.
  4. Drizzle lightly with honey as the edges begin to caramelize.
  5. Serve warm as a tropical side dish or dessert topping.


🌿 About the plant:


Carambola, or Star Fruit, is a small tropical tree with glossy leaves and crisp, juicy fruit that slices into perfect stars.

🏡 In the garden:


Thrives in zones 9-11. Likes sun, regular water, and protection from strong winds. Dwarf varieties do well in large containers.

🛒 Plant Star Fruit Carambola Tree

📚 Learn more:

Plant Facts

Averrhoa carambola
Carambola, Starfruit, Five-finger, Balimbing
USDA Zone: 9-11
Small tree 10-20 ftSemi-shadeFull sunRegular waterEdible plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

#Food_Forest #Recipes

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date: 24 Feb 2017

TopTropicals news, sales and updates

Extended sale 15% off on all fruit trees! Take advantage of our "Spring is coming!" fruit tree sale extension 15% off on all fruit trees and spices, including mango new exclusive varieties. No minimum order required. Hurry up, sale extension ends on Saturday, Feb 25.

Radio Top Tropicals Live Webcast upcoming event: Saturday February 25, at 11 am EST.
Topic: GROW YOUR OWN! DUDE!
1) Herbs, both annual and perennial.
2) Fruit trees.
3) Foods once thought to be only ornamental.
Our Host Robert Riefer - Internationally Certified Crop Adviser - answering all your questions.

Listen to Radio Top Tropicals, every Saturday, at 11 am EST! You may use our website radio player DURING AIR TIME and see the pictures of plants we are talking about. To ask questions using live chat, you need to log in at Mixlr.com or simply call our office 239-887-3323 during air time!
If you missed a live webcast, you may listen to recording by following Showreel item link.

Check out our upcoming radio shows and get your gardening questions ready!

Pisces Zodiac lucky plants

Pisces- 2/19 - 3/20. As a WATER sign ruled by both Jupiter and Moon (and Neptune, that was not discovered until 1846, after the plant correspondences were established; Neptune is considered a "higher octave" of the Moon), Pisces plants are often large but hard to find, and may grow near the ocean. The most healing plants for Pisces are those that strengthen the immune system or have an antibacterial effect. Pisces plants may also catalyze expanded states of awareness and be helpful in dream work.
Herbs connected to Pisces are ruled by its former ruler, the Moon (Neptune, the current ruler, was not discovered until 1846, after the plant correspondences were established; Neptune is considered a “higher octave” of the Moon). Diseases of Pisces have traditionally included psychotic disorders, various forms of substance addiction, lung diseases such as tuberculosis, and ailments of the foot; contemporary herbalists also add immune system diseases. Pisces is strengthened by rosemary's ability to promote an aura of centered grounding. This protective herb helps strengthen boundaries and cultivate a closer connection to the physical realm.

Pisces Zodiac lucky plants: Water lily, Lotus, Clematis, Wisteria, Lisianthus, Brunfelsia, Echinacea, English Lavender, Rosemary, Coconut palm, Cranberry, Clove, Coccoloba, Sea Oats, Mangroves, Ochrosia, Aquatic plants, Colocasia, Alocasia, Aralia, Ficus trees, Banyan, Peepal, Banana, Mango, Mimosa, Olive, Anise, Vilca and Yopo, Kava-kava, Nutmeg, Anthuriums, Eucalyptus, Bauhinia, Clusia, Caesalpinia, Callistemon, Bucida, Cassia fistula, Cordia, Calabash, Lipstick palm , Delonix, Elaeocarpus, Erythrina, Fatsia, Guaiacum, Mahoe, Koelreuteria, Kopsia, Macaranga, Pandanus, Peltophorum, Psychotria,Banesteriopsis, Tabebuia.



For links to these plants and other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.

Date: 2 Jul 2016

Cancer Zodiac lucky plants

Cancer - 6/21-7/22. Cancer is a WATER sign and is ruled by the Moon. Cancer's plants generally have soft or Moon-shaped leaves, contain a lot of moisture, or are found near water. Oftentimes they have white, pale blue or pale yellow flowers. Cancer rules the stomach, diaphragm, and liver, so plants that aid digestion or affect the subconscious are associated with the sign of the Crab. Maternal Cancer also governs the breasts, the womb, and the ovaries. It rules all fluid secretions, including menstrual blood, fluids in the eye, and tears. The moon is often associated with conditions involving irregular periodicity: irregular menstruation and related moods, epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria. Lunar herbs tend to have white or yellow flowers and soft, juicy leaves. They often live in or near water. As they are so nurturing and warm, Cancer loves the homey smell of cinnamon. This sweet spice is good for gently heating things up; it also promotes movement and flow in life. Its familiar scent is soothing and calming for those who need a little retreat every now and again.

Cancer Zodiac lucky plants: Lilies, Eucomis, Magnolia, Nicotiana, Brugmansia, Dombeya, White flowers, Water lilies, Lotus, Maidenhair fern, Monstera, Cinnamon, Sage, Aloe, Lemon Balm, Bay leaf, Palasa - Butea monosperma, Acai, Mahogany, Mango, Banana, Apple, Pear, Geranium - Pelargonium, White roses, Solandra Chalice Vine, Butter Cup, Acalypha, Cornutia, Ruda, Oregano, Camphor plant, Grapes, Brunfelsia, Alocasia, Colocasia, Canna, Cyperus, Iris, Equisetum, Mangroves.

For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.

Date: 23 Nov 2025

📅 Mark Your Calendar - Holiday Plant Market

Holiday  Plant  Market  flyer  for  December  13  2025  showing  two  PeopleCats 
 in  a  festive  garden,  one  black  cat  in  an  apron  next  to  a  mango  tree  and  one 
 orange  cat  holding  a  basket  of  tropical  fruit,  with  event  details, 
 discounts,  and  Top  Tropicals 
 locations.

Holiday season in Florida means sunshine, green leaves, and cats on patrol. On Saturday 12/13/25, our PeopleCats are hosting a special Holiday Plant Market at TopTropicals, 9 am to 4 pm. This is not a regular nursery day. This is the one where you grab a donut in one hand, a mango tree in the other, and try not to trip over a cat giving you a tour.

We are bringing out the best plants we grew all year: big fruit trees with real branches, flowering and fragrant beauties, rare collectors plants, and vines that are ready to take off as soon as you get them home. December is perfect planting weather in Florida, so while the rest of the country is scraping frost from windshields, you can be choosing which banana, mango, or jasmine will perfume your yard next summer.

Holiday extras: 30% OFF online prices, free plant with purchase, 5 to 10 dollar specials, mini donuts and holiday treats, iced tea and citrus water, tropical Christmas music, and raffle prizes. If there is enough ripe fruit in the morning, we will set up a tasting table too. Our PeopleCats will be on duty all day, rearranging plants, checking on visitors, and occasionally allowing themselves to be petted between tours.

Event discounts and specials are valid at both locations:

Save the date, tell a friend, and plan your plant hunting route now. Come celebrate the holidays the Florida way: sunshine, rare fruit trees, happy cats, and a car full of tropical plants going home with you.

Facebook event page - Download invitation

to confirm attendance
RSVP on Facebook!

Learn More About The Holiday Plant Market

Date: 12 Dec 2025

🎄 Holiday Plant Market:
Saturday, Dec 13, 2025, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 🎉

Smokey  the  tuxedo  cat  and  Sunshine  the  ginger  cat  sitting  at  a  table, 
 studying  a  Holiday  Plant  Market  flyer  with  a  notepad,  coffee  cup,  and 
 donut.

Smokey: We invited people, so we need to be prepared for the crowd.
Sunshine: I am prepared. I saw yummy donuts on the flyer.
Smokey: Of course you did, genius. You are responsible for donuts and coffee.

It is almost here. Our big end-of-season Plant Day. All year we grow the rare and unusual plants that will be featured at this event, and Saturday is the day they finally meet their new homes. The garden turns into a small holiday escape: fresh air, bright colors, music, snacks, and the PeopleCats greeting everyone like they have known you for years.

Meet PeopleCats crew in charge

TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  King
King
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  King
Sushi
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  Snitch
Snitch
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  Paisley
Paisley
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  Persephone
Persephone
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  Loki
Loki

Why you should come

It is December in Florida - warm breeze, sunshine, and perfect planting weather. While the rest of the country is scraping frost off windshields, you're choosing which banana tree to take home. Come enjoy a colorful Saturday surrounded by plants, music, snacks, and friendly PeopleCats. This is your holiday escape, your plant-hunting adventure, and your chance to bring home something amazing before the season ends.

Not Local?

Not everyone is lucky enough to live close by. For our online customers, here is 20% for online orders:

EVENT2025

Valid for online orders only. Minimum order $120 (excluding shipping and handling). Cannot be combined with any other discounts, coupon codes, automatic promotions, or special offers. Not valid on previous purchases. One use per customer. Code must be entered at checkout. Offer valid through the end of Sunday, 12/14/2025

Learn more about the event

🛒 Go Shopping