Knowledge of caring for tomatoes is not a prerequisite for successfully cultivating a tree tomato. In fact, the only thing that both plants have in common is that they belong to the nightshade family and the similar appearance of the fruits. Before adding a tamarillo to your container plant collection, you should consult this guide. How to properly care for a tree tomato.
How do I properly care for a tree tomato?
When caring for a tree tomato, you should water it several times a day in summer and more sparingly in winter. From March to September, add liquid vegetable fertilizer (€19.00 at Amazon) weekly and cut the plant back to winter quarters before putting it away. Overwinter the tamarillo at 5 to 12 degrees Celsius in a bright room.
Watering tree tomatoes – when and how often?
In a sunny, warm location on the balcony, a tree tomato evaporates huge amounts of water in summer. On the other hand, water consumption is significantly reduced in winter. This is how you can expertly cover high watering needs:
- Water Tamarillo several times a day in summer as soon as the substrate dries
- Watere more sparingly in winter so that the root ball does not dry out
If you don't want to constantly patrol with the watering can in summer, the tropical balcony plant can be watered automatically. For this purpose, the saucer is filled with water every morning.
Should I fertilize a tamarillo?
The nutrient supply of a tree tomato is uncomplicated. From March to September, add a liquid vegetable fertilizer (€19.00 on Amazon) to the irrigation water once a week. From October to February a tamarillo receives no fertilizer.
How do I cut a tree tomato correctly?
With a majestic height of up to 300 cm, the tree tomato does not fit into any normal winter quarters. It is therefore sensible and necessary to cut back before clearing away. First, remove all dead leaves and flowers. Then cut back the slightly woody or herbaceous shoots by a third.
If there is enough space behind the glass, these maintenance measures can be omitted. Pruning - as with conventional tomatoes - or maintenance pruning to promote branching does not have a beneficial effect on a tree tomato.
How does a tree tomato overwinter?
The tree tomato is not hardy, but still has the strength for several years of cultivation. Please put the potted plant away in good time in the fall. In the bright winter quarters at 5 to 12 degrees Celsius, your tamarillo takes a well-deserved growth break. There is no cause for concern if the leaves fall off. Just in time for the beginning of spring, fresh shoots appear.
Tip
A tamarillo's extensive water use is reduced by mulching the tree's cuttings from summer. A 5 to 8 cm thick layer of bark mulch, straw or expanded clay keeps the soil warm and moist for longer.
