As a nightshade plant, the tree tomato or tamarillo is only distantly related to the tomato, so it cannot be compared with it. It is grown commercially in South and Central America and New Zealand, but is also suitable for home gardens.

Tree tomatoes are better kept in pots

If it grows up to seven meters high in its homeland, you can count on a height of around two to five meters at home. Although the Tamarillo is considered to be very easy to care for, it is very sensitive to waterlogging or excess nitrogen and tolerates at most light frost. On the other hand, it thrives in practically all possible light conditions from direct sun to full shade.

Are tree tomatoes suitable for planting in tubs?

Since the Tamarillo is not hardy, it is particularly suitable for planting in containers. So it can be quickly and easily transported to winter quarters in autumn. Make sure the bucket is heavy enough to be stable. Regular repotting is required. If the plant becomes too big for you, you can easily cut it back.

What should I consider when planting the tamarillo?

The tree tomato thrives best in a nitrogen-poor soil, otherwise the leaves will discolour and the flowering may not occur at all. Special tomato or cactus soil is well suited as a substrate. Planting in the garden is only recommended if you live in a very mild area. There, with appropriate protection, the tamarillo should also survive the winter outside.

When planting in tubs, choose a container that is not too large. The roots should have enough space. If the vessel is significantly larger than the root ball, root growth is stimulated unnecessarily. There should be a drainage hole in the pot as well as a drainage layer of potsherds or large pebbles. This way you can water the tamarillo plentifully without waterlogging.

The essentials in brief:

  • Growth height: 2 to 7 m
  • Ovoid yellow or red fruits, very tasty, eaten raw or cooked
  • ideal growth temperature: around 20 °C
  • not frost hardy
  • Hibernation: cool (about 5 °C to 10 °C) and dark
  • high humidity desired
  • fertilize with less nitrogen
  • regular pruning required

tips

If you plant your tree tomato in a bucket, it can be transported relatively easily to a suitable winter quarters.

Category:

Vegetable garden