Tamarillo Tree Tomato Seeds
Cyphomandra betacea
Edible Fruit, Fast Growing Tree
Tomato tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea) is a lesser known plant in many regions but make a very nice addition to the landscape. The South American native is a small-growing shrub or semi-woody tree reaching heights between 10-18 feet. Tamarillo trees bloom in early spring, producing fragrant pink flowers. These blooms will eventually give way to small, oval or egg-shaped fruit, reminiscent of plum tomatoes—hence the tomato tree’s name. They can produce up to 66 pounds of fruit on each tree. Tree tomatoes grow best in areas where the temperatures stay above 50 F. (10 C.) but can tolerate temperatures as low as 28 F. (-2 C.), though there will be some dieback. No worries for those who would like to grow a tree tomato in colder climates, you will want to keep it in a container so that it can easily be brought in for the winter.
Tree tomatoes tolerate many soil conditions as long as it’s well draining, though compost-enriched soil is preferable for optimal growth. The tree tomato tamarillo also needs placement in full sun, though in hotter climates it can be planted in areas with partial shade. Due to the shallow root system of these trees, adequate wind protection may also be necessary, such as near the house. If growing in a greenhouse, as long as temperatures stay above 50 degrees F, you can grow them year round. To grow outdoors with no protection grow in Zones 10-12
Tamarillo Germination:
1) Spread the seeds on two layers of moistened paper towels covered with plastic to keep high humidity.
2) Use a heated propagator to keep the temperature at no less than 70 degrees F.
3) Sprouts should emerge within 7-14 days.
4) Wait until tiny fuzzy root hair appear on the tap roots. When the tap roots are around an inch long, and have a 90 degree bend, this is the time to transplant into seed starting mix, keeping the temperatures above 70 F.
5) Keep moist, and well drained in the seed starting mix.