TAMARILLO - last update 10/27/2019

Originating from South America, this isn't a Tomato at all and has a completely different growth habit in that is grows into a woody tree and is perennial.

It is particularly popular in New Zealand where it is used more as 'sweet' rather than a 'savoury' - though the Kiwi's are just as happy to fry it up with their bacon and eggs as they are to make desserts and pies with it; it makes delicious jam too. In appearance it resembles a ruby red plum.

Fruiting generally occurs late Autumn and through the Winter months when fresh fruits on conventional home grown tomatoes is virtually an impossibility.

The plant itself grows at a staggering rate and looks not unlike a rubber tree in appearance. Potentially this can grow to around 12 feet (3.65 metres) tall with a spread up to 8 feet (2.4 metres) - but can be kept at pruned height of around 6 feet (1.8 metres). In Summer grow it in a large tub; it can be grown outdoors but remember, move inside before the onset of snow and frost!

• Sow seed in clean, fresh compost and lightly cover.
• Keep moist and germinate at a temperature of around 78ºF (25.5ºC). Germination can take between 3 - 5 weeks.
• Transplant seedlings in the same way as you would conventional tomatoes.
• Pot on as required, gradually increasing in pot size using either a John Innes No2 or similar peat based compost.
• Ideally you should end up in a large container - half barrel or similar. Whatever you use, ensure it is well drained to avoid water-logging.

It is quite natural for the lower leaves to yellow and drop off as it grows to maturity and need not cause any concern. Only moderate feeding with a sensible product, such as our Instant Life is recommended. On no account use bonemeal, fresh manure or any other additive to encourage lank 'soft' growth.

The ideal Winter growing temperature for these is around 60°F (15°C) or above, however these survive at temperatures as low as 40°F (5ºC). Whilst we have known these to recover even after frost, but intense cold and damp is not recommended.

Like all garden stock, care should be exercised to control the usual run of pests and diseases, ie white fly, aphids and soil pests. Any spray used on tomatoes or fuchsias will not prove harmful to the Tamarillo.

Should your Tamarillo grow too big in a short space of time, it can be headed back with a saw. This sounds very drastic but recovery is quite staggering with many fresh shoots breaking from the stem. Only permit about three.

White clusters of flowers appear, similar to potato flowers. These self pollinate and egg shaped fruits subsequently develop. An individual tree can produce several hundred fruits in varying stages of ripening spreading cropping over several months. It is ripe when the fruit darkens to a deeper red and often will drop.

https://www.victoriananursery.co.uk/Tamarillo_Tree_Tomato_Plant/

Purchased on ebay 10/23/18 for @2.55 (15 seeds)

Sprouted in damp perlite in plastic bag, then transferred to seed starter under lights.

12/9/18

Up-potted

3/9/19

Up-potted again

4/4/19

4/27/19

Need to be vigilant about watering these. Some of the leaves got very damaged after missing a day in 100 degree temps. When it gets really hot, I'm probably going to need to keep them in full shade somewhere.

5/26/2019

10/21/2019

These things were a fail.  They can't take the Phoenix summer, even in heavy shade.  The heat took all but one.

10/27/2019

Took the last one and planted it in one of the north wall planters.  Do not expect it to survive, but maybe it will last until the heat comes.