TAMARILLO GROWING INFORMATION © Frances Michaels   Common Name: Tamarillo, Tree Tomato, Tomate de Árbol Botanical Name: Cyphomandra betacea Family: Solanaceae Plant Description: An erect, branching, shrubby, fast growing evergreen, reaching a height of 1-5 m. It has large, heart-shaped, hairy leaves, 15 - 20 cm long. The flowers are small, pale pink and fragrant. The fruit are egg-shaped, about 5 cm long and can be red or yellow in colour. Tamarillos need a rich, moist, well-drained soil. It will not tolerate waterlogging or drought and the roots are very shallow, so keep it well mulched. Commercially it is only suitable for frost-free subtropical and warm temperate areas, however the range for a home orchard is wider, as it survives light frost, by dropping affected leaves and shooting back in spring.   Uses: Fruit can be eaten raw, in salads or fruit salads, cooked as a fruit sauce or made into jam. Nutritionally tamarillos are high in Vit. A, Vit B6, Vit. C, Vit. E, iron, and low in carbohydrates. CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS Recommended Planting Time: Seed should be sown with a high soil temperature of 24-29°C in spring. Planting Depth: Cover seed with 10 mm of fine soil. Plant spacing: Set out a 3 m intervals. Details: Seedlings are usually true-to-type but cuttings can also be taken in spring or autumn, 60-90 cm long. Seedlings can be pruned to encourage multiple trunks, this makes the fruit easier to reach and reduces the chance of a heavily laden tree toppling over.   DISCLAIMER: We guarantee our seeds to the value of the purchase price. We are happy to replace the seeds, give you a credit or refund, whichever you prefer. Other than our guarantee to the extent of the purchase price Green Harvest gives no other warranty expressed or implied. No liability will be accepted by Green Harvest, its owners or employees as to the accuracy of any information. No responsibility will be taken for damage to property or persons due to information given about a product or technique. No responsibility will be taken for the loss of a crop or income due to information given about a product or technique.   Copyright © 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006  Green Harvest No part of this website may be reproduced without permission of the owner