Description
Tamarillos (Cyphomandra betaceum) are also known as tree tomatoes and are part of the Solanaceae family, including potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, and pepper plants.
This small oval to egg-shaped fruit has a pointy end averaging 6 cm in diameter and about 8 cm in length. The skin is smooth glossy, and thin with a tangerine hue.
The flesh has a similar colour to that of the skin. The flesh is divided into two chambers filled with a soft pulp, housing many thin edible seeds. The skin is thin and far too bitter for human consumption. When ripe, they have a piquant flavour with a pleasant sweet-tart balance.
It is an evergreen semi-tree (up to 5 meters tall), although it can be deciduous in cool climates. It is fast growing and will reach peak production after four years with a life expectancy of 8-12 years. It grows as a single upright trunk with lateral branches and has large heart-shaped leaves.
Fruit is borne on laterals, so once the desired height is achieved, snip off the growing top(s) to encourage lateral formation. Laterals will carry clusters of white flowers and 3-12 egg-shaped fruits per cluster. Laterals that have fruited must be removed and replaced with new branches, as they will produce fewer fruits in the following year.
Your Tree Tomato, Tamarillo, should start to produce fruits after about 18 months.
Harvesting
They are harvested by pulling in a snapping motion or preferably using scissors, leaving 2-3 cm of the stem still attached for more extended storage.
The fruits may be refrigerated for up to 10 weeks, however discolouration could occur should temperatures dip below three degrees.
They are versatile and can be eaten raw, made into jam, chutneys, and added to stews. Tamarillo has a lot of pectin, making its preservation easy.
Position
Tree Tomato’s should be planted in partial shade, not direct sunlight. Dappled shade from a larger tree would be preferable.
Fertilise
Apply our slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Pest and Disease Management
Aphids, leafhoppers, and whitefly are a big problem and can amass huge numbers on the new deep red growth. Building up plant resistance through regular fertilising is crucial, and when pests are noticed, (usually when leaves curl at their tips) the culprits will be hiding underneath.
Spray the tree regularly with a Neem Oil solution Efficient Microbials (EM Control ) from our store.
EM Control puts you firmly on the green path when using it in your garden. EM is certified organic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Because EM boosts the soil, your garden will flourish without the use of any chemicals. The soil’s vitality equals the vitality of the plants and fruits they produce. EM is a biocontrol measure, controlling pests by releasing microorganisms into the soil. With EM, pests and pathogens are controlled or suppressed by means of natural processes.
Agricultural Neem Oil is a powerful oil that is kind to your garden, fighting against even the most challenging infestations. Our Neem oil is an agricultural grade and is highly effective in controlling roughly 600 different types of insects! Targeted at insects that suck and chew leaves, it doesn’t extend its damage to the rest of the plant or its surrounds. It is Biodegradable, cold pressed and 100% organic.
Pruning
Pruning is key to good fruit yield to limit uneven ripening.
