Add A Fast-Growing Tropical Tree To Enjoy These Tomato-Like Fruits

What gardeners and foodies have in common is a love to try new things. So who wouldn't want to try to grow a fruit that has a hint of passion fruit and tomato? A cross between a tomato and a passion fruit is almost exactly what tamarillos, also sometimes called tree tomatoes, taste like. While tamarillos (Solanum betaceum) aren't actually considered one of the many tomato varieties, they are in the same genus as tomatoes. These plants, whose fruits also look like a tomato, are fun additions to gardens in warm climates and can also make unique house plants in more temperate zones.

Native to South America, tamarillos can reach heights of around 10 to 20 feet. In many cases they begin producing fruit in less than two years, but the biggest harvest happens around age four. Unfortunately, they are also relatively short lived for trees, though with proper care they can produce fruit for around 15 years.  Tamarillos are hardy only in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and higher, which means they can't handle most winters. Fortunately, they can grow well inside, either year round or during colder winter months. Just make sure to grow your tamarillos in a container if you'll need to bring them indoors. 

Tamarillos thrive in full to part sun and need well draining soil to thrive, regardless of whether you are growing them in ground or in containers. They also require fertile soil, so be sure to test yours and amend it if necessary. Because they are quite brittle and have shallow roots, it's also important to provide them with protection from wind when you have them outside. 

To encourage your tree to branch well, consider pruning it when it is around a year old. This first major prune to be back to about 3 to 4 feet. If you are moving your plant between different locations during different times of year, be sure to harden it off properly to prevent stress and shock. 

But hey, you don't need to miss out if you live in a colder climate. For a more cold hardy tropical fruit tree, consider checking out the hardy tamarillo (Solanum corymbiflora). While not as hardy as some fruit trees, this species is hardy in zones 8b and higher. So it may be a better option for growing outdoors year round in some parts of North America.