In nature, the tree tomato grows without any pruning, but this is not recommended for garden or tub culture. A cut according to the calendar is not necessary. You can prune the tamarillo however you like.

A pruning stimulates new shoots

When is a pruning necessary?

A pruning is often necessary because the tree tomato is too big for the winter quarters. Since she hardly ever takes a cut seriously, you can trim the plant if necessary without any problems. The same applies to diseased shoots. These should be removed immediately. A leafless shoot, on the other hand, may remain standing. As a rule, it drives out again.

Occasionally it is also useful to cut back some leaves of the tamarillo. The fruits need light to ripen. If they are shaded by the leaves, you can certainly help without having to fear damage to the plant.

What does pruning the tamarillo do?

A pruning stimulates the formation of side shoots, so the plant becomes bushy and compact. If your tamarillo is just growing as a single shoot with no branching, be sure to prune the plant. Otherwise you may wait in vain for the first flowers. These only appear on the leaf axils of the side shoots.

If you have planted your tree tomato in the garden and overwintered there, some shoot tips and/or leaves may have frozen. Just cut them off in the healthy wood and wait for new shoots. However, the tree tomato cannot withstand longer periods of frost and temperatures that are too low.

What should I consider when cutting the tamarillo?

As recommended for any plant trimming, only use clean and sharp tools for pruning. Otherwise, the pruned shoot will occasionally begin to rot or suffer from fungal attack. Then another cut is necessary. Sprinkle the cut surface with some charcoal powder or ash to avoid these consequences.

The essentials in brief:

  • very compatible with cuts
  • Pruning promotes branching and flowering
  • only use clean tools
  • Possibly dust the interface with charcoal powder or ash (inhibits fungal infestation)
  • If necessary, cut off the leaves so that the fruit can ripen

tips

The tamarillo flowers only in the leaf axils of its side shoots. Without pruning, it can take a long time before the first flowering.

Category:

Vegetable garden