The tree tomato, also known as tamarillo, is a striking fruit both for its appearance and its flavor, combining sweet and sour nuances. Although it's not well-known in some regions, it has gained great popularity in South American countries and certain subtropical areas thanks to its adaptability and nutritional value.
Many people are interested in how to plant tree tomatoes At home, whether to enjoy its fresh fruit, take advantage of its culinary benefits, or simply as a decorative and ecological element in your own garden. Growing tamarillos can be a rewarding experience, as long as we follow a series of important recommendations and care guidelines.
What is tree tomato?
El tree tomato It is a fruit that grows on shrubs or small trees in the Solanaceae family. Its most widely accepted scientific name is Solanum betaceum, although it is also known under the name Cyphomandra betacea. This species is evergreen and evergreen, which allows it to remain green year-round in favorable climates. The bushes can reach 2 to 4 meters in height, producing oval-shaped fruits with shiny skin and colors ranging from red, orange, and yellow, depending on the variety.
Originally from the Andean regions of South America, the tamarillo has spread to other continents, finding adaptation in subtropical and Mediterranean climates. Its flavor is very distinctive and is often used in both sweet and savory preparations: juices, jams, sauces, desserts, and even fresh stews. In addition to its culinary value, it stands out for its Rich in antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, E) and minerals such as potassium, iron and phosphorus.
When to plant tree tomatoes?
La Choosing the right time to plant tamarillo It depends mainly on the climate of the area. The main recommendation is avoid extremes of temperature, especially frost, which can seriously affect young seedlings. The optimal time is usually spring or fall, when temperatures are stable and the risk of severe cold has decreased. In cold regions, it's preferable to wait until well into spring. However, in warm, humid climates, planting can be done throughout most of the year, as long as the necessary moisture is guaranteed for proper plant development.
What is the ideal climate for growing?
The tree tomato prefers Moderate temperatures, generally between 15ºC and 25ºCAlthough it can withstand warm days and cool nights, during the first year of life it is especially sensitive to cold, so it is vital to protect them from possible frost. In the Andean areas, their optimal altitude range goes from 1.000 to 2.800 meters above sea levelIt is recommended to plant it in places with a certain degree of environmental humidity, but where receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, avoiding exposure to intense radiation or strong winds that can damage branches and fruits.
Prolonged exposure to high radiation without protection can slow its growth. In these cases, it is ideal to use shade nets or windbreak curtains to preserve the development of the bushes.
The ideal soil for planting tamarillo
To be successful in growing tree tomatoes it is essential prepare a fertile, well-drained soil with good organic matter. It prefers loamy or sandy loam soils with a slightly acidic pH (usually between 5.5 and 7). If the soil is very compact, it is recommended to mix it with perlite or sand to improve its drainage capacity.
Before sowing, it is a good idea to carry out a home pH analysis and, if necessary, correct it by adding organic matter or specific products. The contribution of compost, worm humus or organic fertilizer At planting time it helps provide the nutrients needed to invigorate the plant's initial growth.
How to obtain and prepare the seeds?
The tree tomato can be reproduced by different methods, being the seeds the simplest and most popular system. To do this, you must select ripe and healthy fruits, carefully extracting the seeds. These are washed to remove any adhering pulp and soaked in water for at least 24 hours, which softens the outer shell and improves germination.
Once this time has elapsed, they are left to dry in a shaded area. As an advanced option, they can be disinfected with natural products to prevent fungal infections. The seeds can be sown directly in trays or seedbeds, using special substrate for seedbeds and maintaining moisture until the seedlings reach a size large enough to be transplanted.
Other forms of propagation
Although the seed method is the most commonly used at the domestic level, the tamarillo can also be reproduced by cuttings or graftsThe cuttings should be made of semi-hardwood, between 1 and 2 years old, with a minimum diameter of 1,5 cm and a length of 45 to 75 cm, ensuring at least 3 or 4 buds. After planting in moist soil, sprouting usually appears in about 3 or 4 weeks.
La reproduction by cuttings It produces smaller, bushier plants with short internodes and branching from the base, which can be an advantage in windy areas. Micropropagation also exists, although it is reserved for commercial operations due to its cost and complexity.
Planting and transplanting
Once the Seedlings have reached between 15 and 30 cm in height (usually 2 months after germination), are now ready to be transplanted to their final location. It is recommended to prepare holes that are twice the size of the root ball, with minimum measurements of 50x50 cm and a light layer of well-decomposed organic fertilizer and guano at the bottom. It is essential to maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters between plants to avoid competition for nutrients and space, especially if several specimens are planted or near other fruit trees.
In intensive plantations, such as in Colombia, they are managed 4x4 meter planting frames or densities of up to 625 plants per hectare. In windy climates, even smaller spacings are suggested to create natural curtains and protect the shrubs.
Irrigation and water needs
El Irrigation is one of the key aspects in tamarillo cultivationThe plant does not tolerate prolonged drought, especially in the initial stages and during fruit development. It is recommended to keep the substrate with constant humidity but without flooding, since excess water can cause root rot. It's best to water frequently during dry periods and reduce the amount when it rains, adjusting watering according to the temperature and sunlight.
As a general guideline, the Annual water requirements range between 600 and 800 mm of water per hectareIt's always best to water during the coolest hours of the day to avoid rapid evaporation and water stress on the plant.
Training and maintenance pruning
La Pruning is essential for the well-being and productivity of the tree tomatoIn the juvenile stage, formative pruning is performed when the plant reaches 30 or 40 cm, selecting 3 or 4 main shoots that will serve as parent branches. Subsequently, maintenance pruning consists of removing dead branches, those that have already produced, or those growing inward from the canopy. If the plant has unwanted shoots or sprouts from the base, these should be removed to avoid competition.
Pruning is usually done in spring, just after the danger of frost has passedPruning early encourages fruit ripening; if it's too late, it may take longer to ripen. Pruning stiff branches can be done with simple pruning shears, although for most specimens, pruning by hand is sufficient, as they aren't particularly durable.
Fertilization and mineral nutrition
The tamarillo needs key nutrients for optimal development. In commercial crops, the usual recommendations include spread applications of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), with indicative reference values of 170 kg of N, 45 kg of P, 160 kg of K, 30 kg of Mg and 65 kg of Ca per hectare, to obtain approximately 16 tonnes of fruit per hectare. In home orchards, it will be sufficient to apply well-rotted organic fertilizers and replace part of the soil with compost at the beginning of each season.
Dividing fertilization into several phases (after pruning, in spring and mid-summer) helps improve plant absorption and health.
Pollination of tree tomatoes
The tamarillo can self-pollinate or be cross-pollinated with other plants. Wind and insects, especially bees and bumblebees, are the main pollination agents. Both self- and cross-pollination are effective, with no significant differences in fruit set observed between the two methods, according to some studies conducted in New Zealand.
Common pests and diseases
Like any crop, the tree tomato is not exempt from phytosanitary problemsAmong the most cited pests is the hemipteran Leptoglossus zonatus, responsible for both damaging fruit and transmitting fungal diseases such as anthracnose. The genus Margarodes and, above all, the presence of nematodes in the soil (Xiphinema americanum, Meloidogyne y Pratylenchus) can affect the plant, causing weakening and loss of vigor.
As for the enfermedades, highlight the anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides y C. acutatum) And bacterial wilt caused by Pseudomonas solanacearumThese diseases can cause significant losses, exceeding 50% of production on commercial farms.
Proper management includes Crop rotation, soil disinfection, selection of healthy seeds and application of organic products or fungal treatments if essentialRegular monitoring and destruction of infected fruit also helps limit the spread.
Harvest and production
The tree tomato It reaches its maximum productivity around three years of age From planting, they maintain a useful commercial life of approximately 7-8 years. Yields vary depending on the area and care, typically between 20 and 50 kg of fruit per plant. On large Andean farms, they can exceed 40 tons per hectare annually. Due to their indeterminate growth habit, Not all fruit ripens at once, so it is necessary to collect several times during the fall and winter.
The tamarillo is a non-climacteric fruit, that is, it should be harvested when it reaches maturity for direct consumption. Some indicators that help determine the ideal time to harvest are its uniform color (red or yellow, depending on the variety), firmness and sugar content exceeding 8%Harvesting is done by gently cutting the stem, avoiding damaging the surface of the fruit to improve its preservation.
Postharvest and conservation
La proper conservation of tree tomatoes It is essential to maintain the quality and marketability of the fruit. It is recommended to store fruit between 3°C and 4,5°C, with a relative humidity of 90-95%. Temperatures below 3°C can cause chilling injury (browning of the skin and the appearance of depressions), while if the temperature is too high, the risk of rot increases considerably.
A combination of hot water soaks, antifungal treatments, and wax applications has been shown to extend shelf life by up to 8 weeks under optimal conditions. It is essential to regularly inspect stored fruit and remove any specimens showing signs of rot or disease.
Benefits of growing tree tomatoes at home
Tamarillo is not only a relatively easy plant to grow, but It provides numerous benefits to the health and environment of the garden.Its high antioxidant and vitamin content makes it an ally in your daily diet, while its attractive decorative appearance, with large leaves and showy fruits, adds ornamental value. In addition, home cultivation allows for the availability of fresh, organic and chemical-free fruit, ideal for preparing jams, sauces and juices, or consuming it directly.
With proper planning and following the recommendations described above, it's possible to enjoy abundant and consistent production for much of the year. We mustn't forget the experimental and educational value of caring for an exotic plant in the garden, perfect for those looking to expand their horticultural knowledge or simply enjoy a rewarding hobby.
Growing tree tomatoes at home is an achievable challenge for amateurs and gardening enthusiasts who want to try new flavors and brighten up their garden with a vigorous and productive plant. All you need to do is pay attention to the soil and climate, ensure proper irrigation, and protect it from pests and diseases. With patience and care, tamarillo fruits will be a hit in any home.