Tamarillo, Solanum bateceum, is an upright shrubby, fast-growing evergreen tree. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and displays small, pale pink fragrant flowers in spring. The harvesting of the egg-shaped yellow/orange or red fruit is usually from late autumn to winter. The flesh of yellow/orange fruit is sweeter than the red fruit, which is sharper and savoury. All tamarillos are rich in Vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and magnesium. Tamarillos are pruned quite heavily to keep the brittle fruit-bearing wood close to the trunk. Fruit can be eaten raw, in salads or fruit salads, cooked as a fruit sauce or made into jam and chutneys.
Soil: Compost-enriched, well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to semi-shade. Frost-free temperate to sub-tropical climates. Will not tolerate frost or waterlogging.
Size: Height 4-5m x width 3-4m
Soil: Compost-enriched, well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to semi-shade. Frost-free temperate to sub-tropical climates. Will not tolerate frost or waterlogging.
Size: Height 4-5m x width 3-4m