How to Grow Tamarillo - An Exotic Fruit Tree
Tamarillo, often called the "tree tomato," is a fruit that captivates gardeners with its bright color, tangy flavor, and ornamental value.
Native to South America but now grown in many warm climates around the world, it’s not just a unique addition to your garden—it's a plant that rewards patience and care with generous harvests and vibrant presence.
Growing tamarillo at home isn’t as complex as it may sound. With the right approach and conditions, this small tree can thrive and even become a conversation piece in your eco-conscious garden.
Start Your Own Fruit Garden – Discover High-Quality Fruit Seeds for Planting!
Getting to Know the Tamarillo Tree
Before you plant, it’s helpful to understand what makes the tamarillo distinct. This evergreen shrub or small tree, scientifically known as Solanum betaceum, grows quickly and can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet or more.
Its large, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of pinkish flowers give it a tropical flair, while the fruits—oval and red, orange, or yellow—deliver a tart-sweet flavor that’s somewhere between passionfruit and tomato.
The tamarillo is not frost-tolerant, so it's best suited for USDA zones 9–11. However, it can be grown in pots and brought indoors in colder climates, as long as it receives enough light and warmth.
Starting Your Tamarillo from Seed or Cuttings
Tamarillos can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If you enjoy experimenting, starting from seed is a rewarding process. Simply scoop out the seeds from a ripe fruit, wash them, and let them dry for a day.
Plant them in seed trays filled with well-draining compost, and keep the soil lightly moist.
Germination usually takes between two to five weeks, depending on temperature and humidity. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.
From there, they’ll begin to establish and grow rapidly under the right conditions.
Cuttings, on the other hand, offer a faster path to fruiting. Take a healthy branch, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in moist soil. With enough humidity and warmth, it should root within a few weeks and begin new growth soon after.
Providing the Right Conditions
Tamarillos prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade in especially hot climates. Choose a spot that’s sheltered from strong winds, as the large leaves can be easily damaged.
Well-drained soil is essential, and while they don’t demand rich soil, they do appreciate regular feeding.
Add organic compost to enrich the soil and mulch around the base to keep roots cool and retain moisture. Keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged—overwatering is one of the few things that can stress this otherwise hardy tree.
Temperature is key. If you're in a cooler climate, place your tamarillo in a container so you can move it indoors during the colder months. They don't tolerate frost well, and even a mild freeze can cause significant damage.
Encouraging Healthy Growth and Fruiting
Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages bushier growth, which leads to better fruit production. Trim back tall central stems to promote branching, especially during the early stages of growth.
Tamarillos don’t need heavy pruning, but shaping them early makes harvesting easier down the road.
It typically takes about 18 months to two years for the tamarillo to bear its first fruits, although trees grown from cuttings may produce sooner.
The fruit appears in small clusters and begins to ripen in late summer or early fall.
You’ll know it’s ready when the skin turns rich in color and slightly softens to the touch.
The flavor also becomes more balanced at this stage, ideal for eating fresh, making sauces, or blending into smoothies.
Natural Pest Management
Tamarillos are relatively pest-resistant, but they aren’t completely immune. Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and the occasional caterpillar.
Neem oil or insecticidal soap is usually enough to handle any minor outbreaks.
Birds can also be an issue, especially once the fruit starts to ripen. Using netting or reflective objects near the tree can help deter unwanted visitors.
If grown in containers, inspect regularly for signs of root rot, which can develop if drainage isn’t adequate.
Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruit
Tamarillo fruit can be picked when fully colored but still firm. Letting it ripen slightly off the tree can soften the tartness. Peel the skin before eating, as it tends to be bitter.
The flesh is tangy and packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants and minerals.
It works well in savory dishes like chutneys and salsas, but also shines in desserts and juices.
Freezing extra fruit is a great way to enjoy its flavor year-round, and making jam is a delicious way to preserve the harvest.
Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your GARDEN Board on Pinterest!
Last update on 2025-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
More Gardening Tips 👇🏼👇🏼