Complete Guide to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) Farming in Kenya

Tree tomato farming, also known as tamarillo farming, is becoming a profitable agribusiness venture in Kenya. A single healthy tree tomato plant can yield 20–30 kg of fruit per year, translating to over KSh 500,000 per acre under proper management.

Tree tomato trees with fruits

This guide covers everything you need to know—from planting to harvesting, processing, and pest management.

🍅 1. What is a Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)?

The tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) is a small, evergreen, half-woody plant that grows between 3 and 5.5 meters tall. It produces egg-shaped fruits that can be deep purple, red, orange, or yellow, hanging in clusters of 3–12.

Besides being nutritious, tree tomatoes are versatile:

• The fruit can be eaten fresh by scooping the flesh.

• The pulp adds a unique flavor to stews and sauces.

• Blended with sugar and water, it makes a refreshing juice.

• It can also be used to make jams, jellies, or desserts.

⚠️ Tip: Avoid cutting tree tomatoes on wooden surfaces — the juice can leave permanent stains.

🌱 2. Ideal Growing Conditions

Tree tomatoes thrive in subtropical highlands at altitudes between 1,500–3,000 meters above sea level.

• Temperature: Above 10°C

• Soil: Light, fertile, and well-drained, rich in organic matter

• Water: Cannot tolerate prolonged drought—mulch and irrigate during dry seasons

• Wind: Protect plants from strong winds, as they are brittle and shallow-rooted

🌿 3. Propagation Methods

Tree tomatoes can be propagated using seeds or cuttings.

🔹 From Seeds:

• Extract seeds from ripe red or yellow fruits.

• Dry and place in a freezer for 24 hours before sowing (accelerates germination).

• Seed-grown plants tend to be taller and more erect.

🔹 From Cuttings:

• Select 1–2-year-old branches, 1.5–2.5 cm thick and 45–75 cm long.

• Remove leaves and cut below a node.

• Cuttings produce shorter, bushier plants with low-lying branches.

Spacing: Plant cuttings or seedlings at 3m × 3m spacing.
Note: Avoid letting new plants bear fruit in the first year.

✂️ 4. Training and Pruning

• When the plant reaches 1–1.5 meters, lean it 30–45° toward the midday sun.
  This encourages branches to grow along the trunk instead of the top.

• Prune yearly to remove branches that have already borne fruit—fruits grow on new shoots.

• Maintain a plant height of 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) for easier harvesting.

Proper pruning not only improves yield but also extends the fruiting season.

🌼 5. Fertilization

• Apply well-decomposed manure or compost regularly.

• A balanced NPK fertilizer can be added at planting and during flowering to boost growth.

• Mulch to retain soil moisture and add organic content.

🐛 6. Pest and Disease Management

Tree tomatoes are generally hardy but can be attacked by:

• Aphids and fruit flies—Control using neem oil or organic insecticides.

• Powdery mildew—caused by high humidity or overcrowding. Prune regularly and use fungicides if needed.

• Viral diseases such as potato virus or cucumber mosaic virus – Use clean planting material and maintain field hygiene.

🍈 7. Harvesting

Tree tomatoes begin fruiting after 2 years.
Fruits are ready when they turn deep red or yellow, depending on the variety.

To harvest:

• Pull the fruit gently with a snapping motion, keeping the stalk attached.

• Each well-nourished plant can yield up to 60–70 kg per year.

Storage: Fruits can stay fresh for up to 10 weeks in a refrigerator, but avoid storing below 4°C, as this discolors the skin.

🍹 8. Post-Harvest and Value Addition

Before using for cooking or processing:

• Dip the fruits in boiling water for 3–4 minutes to easily remove the skin.

• Use the pulp for juices, smoothies, sauces, jams, and desserts.

• Tree tomato juice is especially popular for its rich flavor and high vitamin content.

💰 9. Profitability of Tree Tomato Farming

With good management:

• Yield: 20–30 kg per plant per year

• Plants per acre: ~1,200 (at 3m × 3m spacing)

• Potential income: Over Ksh 500,000 per acre annually

This makes tree tomato farming one of the most profitable high-value crops in Kenya’s highland regions.

🌳 Final Thoughts

Tree tomato farming is an excellent agribusiness opportunity for both small-scale and commercial farmers. With proper site selection, watering, pruning, and pest control, you can enjoy high yields and continuous income for several years.

“Plant today, nurture tomorrow, and harvest success with every fruit.”