🌱 TAMARILLO TREE SEEDS
(Solanum betaceum) – Exotic Tree Tomato
🍅 DESCRIPTION
Grow your own delicious, exotic Tamarillo Tree, also known as the Tree Tomato!
The Tamarillo is a beautiful, fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree that produces clusters of stunning, egg-shaped, red to orange-red fruits with a deliciously tangy, sweet-tart flavour.
The juicy golden-orange flesh is packed with flavour and is perfect for fresh eating, homemade jams, chutneys, sauces, desserts and preserves.
With its large, heart-shaped green leaves, delicate pinkish-white flowers and colourful hanging fruits, the Tamarillo makes a spectacular addition to any edible garden.
🌿 Why Grow Tamarillo?
- Exotic and unusual fruit-bearing tree
- Beautiful ornamental appearance
- Delicious sweet-tart fruits
- Excellent for jams, chutneys and preserves
- Fast-growing and productive under suitable conditions
- Suitable for sheltered gardens and large containers
- Perennial in frost-free climates
- Can begin producing fruit approximately 18–24 months after planting under favourable conditions
🇿🇦 A wonderful addition to South African home gardens, particularly in mild, frost-free areas.
🌱 SUPER SPROUT SEEDS
Heirloom & Open-Pollinated Seeds
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🌱 TAMARILLO TREE – GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
Botanical Name: Solanum betaceum
Common Name: Tamarillo / Tree Tomato
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial shrub or small tree
Mature Height: Approximately 2–5 metres
Germination: Usually 2–4 weeks under suitable conditions
Ideal Germination Temperature: 20–25°C
Sunlight: Full sun to light afternoon shade
Soil: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil
Watering: Regular, consistent moisture
1. Seed Preparation
Tamarillo seeds generally do not require cold stratification.
Soak seeds in lukewarm water for approximately 12–24 hours before sowing if desired.
2. Sowing
- Fill seed trays or small pots with a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Sow seeds approximately 3–5 mm deep.
- Cover lightly with fine soil.
- Mist gently to moisten the growing medium.
- Place in a warm, bright location away from harsh direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
3. Germination
Seeds generally germinate within 14–28 days, although some may take longer.
Maintain temperatures around 20–25°C.
Once seedlings emerge, provide plenty of bright light to encourage strong, healthy growth.
4. Transplanting
When seedlings develop several true leaves and are large enough to handle:
- Transplant into individual pots.
- Allow roots to establish before planting outdoors.
- Gradually acclimatise seedlings to outdoor conditions.
- Plant in a sheltered position protected from strong winds and frost.
Space trees approximately 2–3 metres apart.
5. Soil & Feeding
Tamarillos prefer fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
Apply organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Feed periodically with compost or a balanced fertiliser during active growth.
6. Watering
Tamarillos have relatively shallow root systems and benefit from regular watering.
Keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during flowering and fruit development.
Avoid prolonged drought and waterlogged conditions.
7. Pruning
Once the young tree reaches approximately 1 metre in height, pinch or prune the growing tip to encourage branching.
Remove damaged, dead or overcrowded branches.
Light pruning helps maintain a manageable tree and encourages healthy new growth.
8. Flowering & Harvesting
Under favourable growing conditions, Tamarillo trees may begin producing fruit approximately 18–24 months after planting.
Harvest fruits when they develop their full mature colour and yield slightly to gentle pressure.
The skin is often bitter and is usually removed before eating.
9. Growing in South Africa 🇿🇦
Western Cape: Plant in a sheltered, sunny position protected from strong winds and winter frost. Provide regular summer irrigation.
KwaZulu-Natal: Well suited to mild, frost-free areas with good drainage.
Gauteng & Free State: Young trees require protection from winter frost. Large containers can be useful for moving plants into sheltered positions.
Coastal Regions: Protect trees from strong, salt-laden winds.
Best Sowing Time: Spring to early summer, once temperatures are consistently warm. In mild climates, seeds can also be started indoors at other times of year.
🌿 Important Growing Tips
- Tamarillos are sensitive to frost, particularly when young.
- Protect shallow roots with organic mulch.
- Avoid exposed, windy planting positions.
- Maintain consistent moisture during fruit development.
- Container-grown plants need adequate root space, drainage and regular feeding.
🌱 SUPER SPROUT SEEDS
Growing something extraordinary in South African gardens.
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