Solanum betaceum

A semi-evergreen, open, frost-tender, tall shrub growing to around 3m tall and 1.5m wide.

Leaves are large, ovate, mid-green and softly hairy. Flowers are star-shaped and creamy pink, produced pendulous clusters in summer followed by spherical red, yellow or orange fruit in winter. Tamarillos are self-fertile but will produce more fruit if more than one plant is planted.

Performs best in a warm, sunny spot sheltered from frost and wind as the growth is soft and easily broken or damaged. They also prefer soil with a near-neutral pH.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in, water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply an organic mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Once plants reach 1m tall take the tips out to ensure the plant branches. Plants will produce fruit around 18 months to 2 years from planting. Keep feeding each month until fruit are ready, with NPK fertiliser but low in nitrogen to ensure a good crop and keep well watered. Tamarillo aren't particularly long-lived trees so you may want to replace them every 3 -4 years. Prune in spring after chance of frost has passed. Take out dead, weak and damaged branches, this ensures the seasons' fruit will be of good size and taste and will prevent overcrowding of branches.

Aphids, psyllids and whitefly can be a problem as they can transmit viruses, from which there is no cure. Viruses cause poor crops, distorted growth and eventual death.

Edible Garden

Tamarillo's came to NZ in the late 1800's and as originally known as the 'tree tomato' but kiwis prefer to refer to it as the 'tamarillo' now. The fruit is high in a good source of Vitamin A, B6, C & E and has high levels of iron and potassium. They are low in calories and high in fibre. Eat by cutting in half and scooping out the fruit pulp. It can be used in salads, jams and chutneys.