Fast-growing container plant with velvety foliage and orange fruits
The Dwarf Tamarillo (Solanum abutiloides), also known as the Dwarf Tree Tomato, is a fast-growing shrub with striking, softly hairy foliage. Its large leaves give the plant an almost velvety appearance and can release an intense, spicy-aromatic scent when touched. In summer, small white to pale bluish flowers appear, followed later by yellow to orange berries around one centimetre in size.
The name Dwarf Tamarillo is somewhat misleading. Although the species remains smaller than the true tamarillo, it cannot really be described as compact. Under good conditions it grows very vigorously and can reach around two metres or more in a container. This rapid growth, together with its distinctive foliage and decorative clusters of fruit, makes it an interesting container plant for sunny terraces, conservatories and sheltered spots in the garden.
A rarely cultivated relative of the tamarillo
Solanum abutiloides is native to Bolivia and north-western Argentina. Botanically, the species belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is neither a tomato species nor identical to the true tamarillo, Solanum betaceum.
The species was first described in 1879 as Cyphomandra abutiloides. In 1913 it was placed in the genus Solanum. The older botanical name is still commonly used in the seed trade and is therefore frequently encountered as a synonym.
The small orange fruits are particularly striking. Fully ripe berries are described in various sources as suitable both for eating fresh and for making jam. Their flavour, however, can vary considerably: some plants produce bittersweet fruits, sometimes described as apricot-like, while others develop distinctly bitter or very intense flavours. This variability makes the Dwarf Tamarillo more of an interesting collector's plant for tasting and experimentation than a reliably predictable fruit crop. Unripe fruits should not be eaten; given the inconsistent information available for this species, caution is generally advisable when using the fruits for culinary purposes.
Sowing and caring for Dwarf Tamarillo
To give the plants as long a growing season as possible, it is best to start them indoors from February or March. Sow the small seeds shallowly in loose, clean seed compost, press them down gently and cover them only very lightly with substrate. Then place them in a bright, warm location at around 20 to 25 °C. Keep the substrate evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. A transparent cover can help maintain consistent humidity; it should be aired regularly and removed after germination.
The first seeds may germinate after around two weeks, although germination can take considerably longer depending on the seed and growing conditions. In practice, allow around two to six weeks. Once the young plants are large enough to handle, they can be pricked out and gradually moved into larger containers. After emergence, they need as much light as possible.
The frost-sensitive Dwarf Tamarillo should only be moved outdoors once there is no longer any risk of late frost. A warm, sunny and preferably sheltered position is ideal. As a container plant, it needs a sufficiently large pot filled with nutrient-rich, well-drained substrate. Water regularly during vigorous growth and feed moderately. The root ball should not be allowed to dry out completely, but waterlogging must be avoided.
Before the first frost, move the plant to its winter quarters. It can be overwintered cool at around 5 to 10 °C or kept in a bright, frost-free place at somewhat milder temperatures. Water much more sparingly in winter and do not feed. A hard prune in spring helps keep this fast-growing container plant more compact and manageable.
Other names
| Botanical name: |
Solanum abutiloides, Syn.: Cyphomandra abutiloides |
| English names: |
Dwarf Tamarillo, Dwarf Tamarillo Tree |
| Spanish names: |
Tomate de árbol enano, Tamarillo enano |
| Italian names: |
Tamarillo nano |
| Dutch names: |
Dwergtamarillo |
