How to grow tree tomatoes in Kenya

This is the tree tomato farming in Kenya definitive guide with all information and answers to guide you on how to grow tree tomatoes in Kenya. Be it you want to start commercial tree tomato farming or farming for domestic purpose this guide is prepared specifically for you. Before venturing into tree tomato farming in Kenya there are some of the questions you have been asking yourself we intend to answer all of these questions on this guide;

Areas where tree tomato farming is done in Kenya?
How much tree tomatoes can one acre of land produce?
How to start a tree tomato farm
How profitable is tree tomato farming in Kenya
Tree tomato pests and diseases in Kenya
What is the best fertilizer for tree tomato farming?
Which is the best month for growing tree tomatoes
How long does it take for tree tomatoes to mature
What is the market for tree tomatoes in Kenya
Tree tomato varieties in Kenya

HOW TO GROW TREE TOMATOES IN KENYA

Tree tomato is also known as Tamarillo it is a fast growing tree which can grow up to approximately 5 meters. It produces fruits which hang on lateral branches. The ecological conditions suitable for tree tomato farming include well drained fertile soil rich in organic matter, soil PH of 5-8.5, rainfall of 600 to 4000 millimeters is suitable although irrigation can supplement, temperatures of 15 to 20 is ideal with an altitude of 1500m -3000m above sea level

PLANTING

The easiest way to grow tree tomatoes is by seedlings through seeds, before planting you should select a suitable area free from weeds and properly harrowed to a fine tilth. Tree tomato seedlings are planted to the area to holes of spacing 4 feet between plants and separated with 5 feet between rows. Use 2 handfuls of farmyard manure in each hole as fertilizer.

After planting of tree tomatoes, regular farm practices continues as you wait for maturity

Soil conditioning: This is done by application of manure to the soil this is done in moderation too much nutrients or too little nutrients may damage your plantation

Weeding: this is the removal of unwanted plants on the area where you may have grown your tree tomatoes. Weeds harm the proper growth of the tree tomatoes

Pruning: when your tree tomato is 1 to 2 meters in height, prune the roots on one side and lean the tree to the direction of midday sun. This allows fruiting branches to grow all along the trunk rather than just at the top

Support: Tree tomatoes needs support at fruit bearing stage to avoid wind breaking off branches

Monitoring: this is done by frequently checking for pest and diseases. Some pests may invest in potatoes making it necessary for integration of pest management practices

PESTS AFFECTING TREE TOMATOES IN KENYA;

Aphids
Whiteflies
Nematodes

DISEASES AFFECTING TREE TOMATOES IN KENYA;

Powdery mildew
Blight
Mosaic

By following this practices within a matter of weeks your tree tomatoes should be growing vigorously and rapidly.

HARVESTING OF TREE TOMATOES
Tree tomatoes grows and matures very quickly and will be able to carry fruits after 1.5 years to 2 years, Tree tomatoes are ready for harvesting when they develop the red or yellow color, its fruits are harvested by pulling each fruit from the shrub leaving the stalk attached. Fruits can then be stored on the refrigerator after harvesting for up to 10 weeks. It is important to note that temperatures below 38 Fahrenheit can cause the skin to discolor

MARKETTING

After successfully harvesting your tree tomatoes you are now ready for marketing after storage. Tree tomatoes are sold in kilograms to various market around Kenya especially in supermarkets and open air markets

An acre of tree tomatoes can produce up to 1000 trees which varies according to spacing it is important to always choose quality tree tomato seedlings.

AREAS WHERE TREE TOMATO IS GROWN IN KENYA

Migori, Uasin Gishu, Kissii, Kakamega, Muranga, Embu,Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kericho among others

How to grow tree tomatoes in Kenya