Solanum betaceum (Red Tamarillo) is a perennial fruiting tree that is native to the Andes Mountain range in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. Although a fruit tree, the Red Tamarillo is also grown as an ornamental and its fruit can be used medicinally.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Red Tamarillo has become a popular fruit tree outside of its native region in climates that are warm, humid and produce at least 1000mm (40 inches) of rain per year.
Solanum betaceum is also known as the Tree Tomato, Blood Fruit, Poor Man’s Tomato, Tamamoro, Chilto and by the name Tomate Serrano.
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Growth
Solanum betaceum is an evergreen fruit tree that grows to a maximum height of 5 metres (16 feet) and width of around 3 metres (10 feet). Red Tamarillo is a fast growing plant that enjoys moist, warm soils in a position of full sun that avoids exposure to strong winds. As the plants’ roots are shallow they do well grown in containers, but will not tolerate long periods without water.
Red Tamarillo generally grows a single upright trunk with lateral branches. The leaves are simple, large and have a pungent smell. Flowers are pinkish to white and can form in clusters of up to 50 and can be year-round in tropical climates. Plants can cross-pollinate with other Solanum species such as tomatoes with the resulting fruit described as unpalatable.
The fruits are egg-shaped and about grow to up to 10cm (4 inches) long. They can vary in colour from yellow to orange and red to almost purple in some instances.
Red Tamarillo start fruiting in around two years, with peak production around 4 years. Their overall life expectancy usually ranges from about 5 to 12 years.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Solanaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0°C to 35°C / 32 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well drained.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 5 metres (16 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3 metres (10 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light to Medium.
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
2-3 years from seed.
GERMINATION RATES:
75-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-28 days at 20-25°C / 68-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy in the right climate.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 200
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT SOLANUM BETACEUM (Red Tamarillo)
The first internationally marketed crop of Tamarillos in Australia was produced around 1996.
Before 1967, the fruit was called Tree Tomato but was changed by the New Zealand Tree Tomato Promotions Council as they sought to increase its exotic appeal.
In some South American cultures, the juice of Red Tamarillo is used to treat anaemia and tonsillitis.
