Cyphomandra (syn. Solanum) betacea - Tamarillo, Tomato tree (15 seeds)

Fast-growing evergreen shrub, up to 4 m tall. The heart-shaped, fleshy, slightly tomentose leaves, up to 15-20 cm large and long petiolate. Small flowers grouped in white terminal racemes. The fruits are ovoid berries with a pointed tip, red or sometimes yellow, containing many small seeds. The pulp of these fruits is edible and has a pleasant flavor reminiscent of tomato, while the peel has an unpleasant taste.

Pedoclimatic needs

Grow in loose, fresh soil with a good content of organic substance that is not too calcareous with a subacid reaction. It prefers sunny exposures but also adapts to partial shade. A non-rustic plant that cannot tolerate frost, it can be grown outdoors in the citrus climate where temperatures do not drop below +2°/0°c for short periods.

Sowing

In spring in light soil. When the seedlings are sufficiently developed, transplant them into pots or full soil.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Cyphomandra betacea

Family: Solanaceae