Tamarillo

New Zealand’s Best Tamarillo Plants

Growing Tamarillos in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Reduced food waste
• Lower grocery costs
• Fewer food miles and less plastic packaging, decreasing your carbon footprint
• Convenience
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We’ll help you find the right variety of Tamarillo, and many other fruit options for your space. Our fruiting plants and trees have been selected to thrive in New Zealand’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Tamarillo plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Tamarillos

1. What are the facts about Tamarillo fruit?

Tamarillo, also known as tree tomato, is an exotic fruit native to South America, with a unique flavor and a variety of interesting facts. Here are some fascinating facts about tamarillos:

1. Unique Taste and Versatility: Tamarillo has a distinctive flavor profile, often described as a blend of tartness from tomatoes, sweetness from passion fruits, and a hint of citrusy notes. This unique taste makes it a versatile ingredient, suitable for both sweet and savory dishes.
2. Nutritional Powerhouse: Tamarillo is packed with nutrients, including high levels of vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, iron, and fiber. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage and may boost overall health.
3. Diverse Culinary Uses: Tamarillo can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Its flesh can be eaten fresh, adding a tangy flavor to salads, fruit salads, and smoothies. It can also be used to make jams, preserves, chutneys, and sauces. Tamarillo juice is a refreshing and nutritious beverage.
4. Medicinal Properties: Tamarillo has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive benefits. Some studies suggest that tamarillo consumption may support heart health and immune function.
5. Symbolism and Cultural Significance: Tamarillo holds cultural significance in some regions of South America. In Colombia, it is considered a symbol of prosperity and is often used in traditional dishes and celebrations. The fruit is also associated with good luck and is believed to attract positive energy.
6. Easy Cultivation: Tamarillo trees are relatively easy to grow in warm climates with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. They are considered low-maintenance plants and can produce fruit for several years.
7. Environmental Benefits: Tamarillo trees have environmental benefits, as they can help prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for wildlife. Their cultivation can also contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and support local economies.

In conclusion, tamarillo is a fascinating fruit with a unique flavor, nutritional value, and cultural significance. Its versatility in culinary applications, potential medicinal properties, and ease of cultivation make it a valuable addition to gardens and diets. As people become more aware of the unique qualities of tamarillo, it is likely to gain wider recognition and popularity around the world.

2. What conditions do Tamarillo trees like?

Tamarillo trees thrive in specific environmental conditions that favor their growth and productivity. Here's a summary of the ideal conditions for tamarillo trees:

1. Warm Climate: Tamarillo trees prefer warm, subtropical or tropical climates with average temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F). They can tolerate occasional dips in temperature, but prolonged exposure to frost can damage or kill the trees.
2. Well-Drained Soil: Tamarillo trees require well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot. Add compost or aged manure to the soil improve its fertility.
3. Abundant Sunlight: Tamarillo trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Sufficient sunlight promotes healthy growth, flowering, and fruit production.
4. Moderate Watering: Tamarillo trees prefer consistent moisture but are sensitive to overwatering. Water the trees regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Deep watering encourages deep root development, making the trees more drought tolerant.
5. Moderate Humidity: Tamarillo trees prefer moderate humidity levels, similar to those found in subtropical or tropical climates.
6. Wind Protection: Tamarillo trees are moderately wind-tolerant, but strong winds can damage their branches and foliage. Plant the trees in a sheltered location or provide windbreaks to protect them from harsh gusts.
7. Fertiliser: Tamarillo trees benefit from regular feeding during their active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertiliser and apply it every 4-6 weeks. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can harm the trees.
8. Pruning: Tamarillo trees require minimal pruning, but occasional shaping and removal of dead, diseased, or damaged branches can promote healthy growth and fruit production. Prune the trees after they have finished fruiting.

By providing these optimal conditions, you can help your tamarillo trees flourish and produce an abundance of delicious fruits for years to come. Remember that even with proper care, tamarillo trees may take a few years to mature and start bearing fruit.

3. How long do Tamarillo trees last?

Tamarillo trees have a lifespan of approximately 7-12 years. However, with proper care and ideal growing conditions, they can live for up to 15 years or even longer. Regular watering, fertiliser applications, pruning, and protection from pests and diseases can significantly extend the life of a tamarillo tree.

4. What is wrong with my Tamarillo tree?

Diagnosing problems with Tamarillo trees can be challenging, as various factors can contribute to their decline. However, by observing the tree's symptoms and environmental conditions, you can identify the likely causes and take appropriate corrective measures.

Here are some common problems that can affect Tamarillo trees and their potential causes:

1. Leaf Yellowing:
   • Cause: Nutrient deficiency, particularly iron deficiency, can cause yellowing of the leaves, especially between the veins.
   • Solution: Apply iron chelates or other iron-rich fertilizers to replenish the soil's nutrient content.
2. Leaf Dropping:
   • Cause: Overwatering, underwatering, or root rot can lead to leaf dropping.
   • Solution: Adjust watering practices to ensure consistent moisture without overwatering. Improve drainage if the soil is excessively wet. Address root rot by removing diseased roots and improving drainage.
3. Fruit Drop:
   • Cause: Stress from factors like drought, overwatering, or temperature extremes can cause premature fruit drop.
   • Solution: Maintain consistent moisture levels, avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, and provide wind protection if necessary.
4. Pests and Diseases:
   • Cause: Various pests and diseases can attack Tamarillo trees, causing damage to leaves, fruits, and stems.
   • Solution: Identify the specific pest or disease and take appropriate control measures. Use organic or least-toxic methods whenever possible.
5. Nutrient Imbalance:
   • Cause: Overfertilization, underfertilization, or deficiencies in specific nutrients can lead to various problems, including stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and poor fruit production.
   • Solution: Analyze the soil for nutrient levels and adjust the fertilization regimen accordingly. Avoid excessive fertilization and use balanced fertilizers.
6. Environmental Stress:
   • Cause: Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures, strong winds, or excessive sunlight, can stress the tree and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
   • Solution: Provide wind protection, shade from intense midday sun, and adjust watering practices during extreme weather conditions.

Remember that diagnosing and addressing problems with Tamarillo trees requires careful observation, understanding of the plant's needs, and appropriate care practices.

5. How many years does it take for a tamarillo tree to fruit?

Tamarillo trees typically take 2-3 years to produce fruit from the time of planting. However, the exact time may vary depending on various factors, including the specific variety of tamarillo, growing conditions, and overall plant health.

Under ideal conditions, with warm temperatures, well-drained soil, and ample sunlight, a tamarillo tree may start fruiting as early as the second year. However, in cooler climates or with less favorable growing conditions, it may take up to three or four years for the tree to mature enough to produce fruit.

6. Can you grow tamarillo in NZ?

Yes, it is possible to grow tamarillo trees in New Zealand, but it requires certain conditions and careful attention to their needs. Tamarillos are subtropical fruits native to the Andean region of South America, and they prefer warm, frost-free climates with well-drained soil and ample sunlight.

7. Do you need two tamarillo trees?

While tamarillo trees are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without pollination from another tree, having two or more tamarillo trees can increase fruit production. Cross-pollination between different varieties of tamarillo trees can lead to larger, more abundant fruits. Additionally, having multiple tamarillo trees can help to ensure pollination even if one tree is not flowering or pollinating effectively.

8. Are tamarillos fast growing?

Yes, tamarillo trees are considered fast-growing fruit trees. They typically take 2-3 years to fruit from the time of planting, and they can reach full maturity within 5-7 years. During their active growing season, tamarillo trees can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) per year.

Here are some factors that can affect the growth rate of tamarillo trees:

• Climate: Tamarillo trees prefer warm, subtropical climates with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. In ideal conditions, they can grow faster and reach maturity sooner.
• Soil Quality: Rich, fertile soil with good drainage is essential for optimal growth. Poor soil conditions can hinder growth and delay fruit production.
• Watering Practices: Consistent moisture is crucial for healthy growth. Overwatering or underwatering can stress the tree and slow down its development.
• Fertilizer: Regular fertilization provides essential nutrients for growth and fruit production.
• Pest and Disease Control: Preventing pest infestations and diseases can protect the tree's health and promote vigorous growth.
• Pruning: Proper pruning techniques can encourage healthy growth structure, reduce stress, and allow for better air circulation, contributing to faster growth.

By maintaining optimal growing conditions and addressing any potential issues promptly, you can help your tamarillo tree grow quickly and reach its full fruiting potential.