Tamarillo (Tree tomato)

Solanum betaceum

Fast-growing short-lived (8–10 year) Andean tree producing egg-shaped tart-sweet fruit. Backyard staple in New Zealand.

Hardiness ratings

Tamarillo (Tree tomato) hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 9–11 −6.7 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H3 −5 °C to 1 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 5–7 5 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Brittle wood — site sheltered from wind
  • Frost destroys flowers and young growth; prune hard each spring to encourage fresh fruiting wood

Pet caution: Tamarillo (Tree tomato) is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Tamarillo (Tree tomato) against your zones

Reference

Tamarillo (Tree tomato) on Wikipedia