How to Grow Tamarillo in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Tamarillo rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-6/fruit, exotic fruit that thrives in cooler parts of SEQ and produces heavily.
This guide covers when to plant Tamarillo in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Tamarillo is a warm-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Tamarillo full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 40cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Tamarillo into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 300 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Tree tomato. Fast-growing, produces in 18 months. Short-lived (5-7 years) but replants easily from cuttings. Red and yellow varieties. Spectacular ornamental as well as productive.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 10 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly and Aphids. The main diseases to watch are Powdery mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Tamarillo is typically ready to harvest within roughly 18 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Bench until ripe, fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. Freeze pulp well.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, tamarillo is good halved and eaten with sugar, added to smoothies and fruit salads, made into tamarillo chutney or jam and stewed with cinnamon and honey. Nutritionally: good source of vitamins A and C and contains antioxidants and minerals.
Track Your Tamarillo Growing
Add tamarillo to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tamarillo in Australia?
Tamarillo is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Tamarillo take to grow?
Tamarillo is generally ready to harvest within roughly 18 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Tamarillo in a pot?
Yes. Tamarillo grows well in a container of 40cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Tamarillo need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Tamarillo in the Plant Library
