Tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Time to harvest: 270–330 days
Frost limit: −2 °C

Cultivation

Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained soil. The tree tomato is cultivated for its edible fruit in sub-tropical and tropical zones. Very fast growing, it starts to fruit within two years from seed. This species does not hybridize easily with other members of the genus. Plants have a shallow spreading root system and resent surface hoeing, they are best given a good mulch. Plants usually ripe their fruit over a period of time, though pruning methods can be used to produce a peak time of fruiting. The leaves have a pungent smell. Plants are subject to attacks by red spider mites.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates within 4 weeks at 15°c[K], within 2 weeks at 25°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of greenwood in a frame.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked.

Habitat

Dry soils at forest margins.

Native range

S. America - Peru.