Tamarillos

Tamarillos or also known as tree tomatoes are subtropical fruiting trees that can grow up to 3-5 m high and a spread of 1.5-2.5 m wide. They grow well and are productive at temperatures of 20-28 Celsius degrees (68-82 F) and a humidity of 70%. The flowers are small, pale pink and fragrant. They produce red, orange or yellow egg-shaped fruits that can reach 7.5 cm long, with a thin skin and a soft flesh when ripe.

For offering the best growing conditions to this tree you have to choose a place in a sunny position with protection from wind in exposed sites. It requires fertile, loam soils in order to develop well. Water well during dry periods and use an organic mulch around the base to prevent loss os moisture. Also a good treatment for this tree is a general-purpose fertilizer with medium to high nitrogen levels that should be applied every 2-3 months. When planting a tamarillos tree consider a space of 3 m distance each way between them.

In colder regions you can grow tamarillos in containers. Use containers with a diameter of at least 35 cm. It can also be grown under cover in well-prepared beds. In both situations use compost mixed with a general-purpose fertilizer. Keep the temperatures and humidity at the right levels. Water regularly and apply a liquid feed every 3-4 weeks.

To encourage the branching of the tree, remove the growing point when the tree reaches the height of 1 m. Keep it in good shape by little pruning to remove crowded and crossing branches and diseases or dead wood.

Tamarillos start fruiting after one to two years after planting. Harvest the fruits by detaching them using a sharp knife. They begin to ripe when they start to change color. After harvesting the fruits may be stored for up to 2 weeks at 4-6 Celsius degrees (39-43 F). Fruit can be eaten raw, used in salads or fruit salads, cooked as a fruit sauce or made into jam or compote.

To propagate tamarillos sow seeds under cover in spring at 24-29 Celsius degrees (75-84 F) covering them with 10 mm of fine soil. When the seedlings are 3-5 cm tall pot them up individually into 10 cm pots. After they reach 15-25 cm harden them off and plant them out in the open  if you live a warm climate. You can also propagate tamarillos from softwood cuttings long of 10-15 cm taken in mid summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting powder and insert them a sandy compost. Place the cuttings in a propagator until rooted then transplant them in larger pots.