Can You Grow Tamarillos from Cuttings? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Tamarillos, also known as tree tomatoes, might not be the first fruit that comes to mind when you think of growing in your garden, but they’re one of the hidden gems of the plant world. Their vibrant colors and sweet-tart flavors can brighten up any dish, from salads to smoothies.
But here’s the burning question: Can you grow tamarillos from cuttings? I’ve been curious about this too, especially since I’ve seen these beautiful fruits popping up in the grocery store and thought, “Why not grow my own?”
The answer is yes! You absolutely can grow tamarillos from cuttings, and in this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the science behind it to step-by-step instructions for success. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, I’ll share some personal tips, tricks, and lessons I’ve learned along the way.
What Are Tamarillos, Anyway?
Before diving into the propagation process, let’s take a moment to appreciate the tamarillo itself. Tamarillos are small, egg-shaped fruits that come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and even purple. They belong to the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. The flesh of a ripe tamarillo is juicy, tangy, and sometimes a little sweet, making it a versatile fruit in both savory and sweet dishes.
What’s special about tamarillos, however, is their tree-like growth habit. They grow on shrubs or small trees, which can reach up to 3 meters in height, depending on the growing conditions.
And the great news? Tamarillos are not just grown from seeds. You can propagate them from cuttings too, which opens up all sorts of opportunities for expanding your little fruit farm.
Why Grow Tamarillos from Cuttings?
Growing tamarillos from seeds is one option, but it takes a lot more time and patience. Seeds can be fickle, and it might take months before you see any fruit. On the other hand, growing tamarillos from cuttings is like taking a shortcut to the fruit-bearing finish line. Cuttings allow you to skip over the juvenile stage of the plant, and the new plants will already be genetically identical to the parent, meaning they’ll share the same flavor and growth habits.
Moreover, cuttings root relatively easily if you follow the right steps, so it’s a great option for gardeners who want to see quicker results. Plus, it’s a fun way to multiply your tamarillo plants—imagine having a whole mini orchard of tamarillo trees without having to start from scratch each time!
Step 1: Choose the Right Tamarillo Cutting
Not all cuttings are created equal, so it’s essential to select a healthy, strong tamarillo plant to take your cutting from. I’ve learned this the hard way—taking cuttings from weak or stressed plants rarely leads to success. Here’s what you should look for:
- Healthy parent plant: Choose a tamarillo that’s disease-free and growing well. You want a plant with vibrant green leaves and strong stems.
- A mature stem: For the best results, take a cutting from a stem that’s semi-hardwood, meaning it’s not too soft and green but not completely woody either. This is usually a stem that’s a few months old.
- A good length: Your cutting should be around 6-8 inches long. This gives the cutting enough material to develop roots without being too long and difficult to manage.
I also recommend selecting a cutting that has at least a few leaves, as they will help the cutting stay healthy while it roots.
Step 2: Prepare the Cutting for Rooting
Now that you’ve got your cutting, it’s time to prepare it. This step is critical for success, so take your time.
- Trim the bottom of the cutting: Using sharp, clean scissors or a pruning knife, cut just below a leaf node (the small bump where the leaves grow). This is where the roots will eventually sprout from.
- Remove lower leaves: Carefully remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. This helps the cutting focus its energy on growing roots instead of maintaining leaves that might rot in the soil or water.
- Let the cutting callous: Some gardeners skip this step, but I’ve found it can make a big difference. Allow your cutting to sit out in a cool, dry place for 1-2 hours to let the cut end form a protective callous. This helps prevent rot when the cutting is placed in water or soil.
Step 3: Rooting the Tamarillo Cutting
There are two main methods for rooting tamarillo cuttings: water propagation and soil propagation. Both methods work, but each has its pros and cons. Let’s break them down:
Method 1: Water Propagation
Rooting tamarillo cuttings in water is one of the easiest methods, and it’s the one I prefer for most plants. Watching the roots develop in water is quite satisfying, plus it allows you to keep an eye on progress.
- Place the cutting in water: Fill a glass or jar with water and place the tamarillo cutting in the jar, ensuring the cut end is submerged but the leaves aren’t touching the water. Change the water every few days to keep it clean.
- Wait for roots to form: Within a couple of weeks, you should see little roots forming. Once they reach about 1-2 inches in length, it’s time to plant the cutting into soil.
| Read: Where’s the Best Spot to Plant Your Tamarillo? |
Method 2: Soil Propagation
Soil propagation is another effective method. In this case, the cutting is placed directly into a pot with soil to encourage root growth.
- Prepare a pot: Fill a small pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand.
- Insert the cutting into the soil: Make a small hole in the soil with a pencil or stick, then insert the cutting about 2 inches deep.
- Water gently: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight.
- Cover the cutting: To create a humid environment and encourage rooting, you can cover the pot with a plastic bag or a plastic dome. Just be sure to check the cutting regularly for mold or rot.
Step 4: Transplanting the Rooted Cutting
Once your tamarillo cutting has developed a strong root system (usually about 4-6 weeks for water propagation), it’s time to transplant it into a larger pot or your garden.
- Prepare the planting site: If you’re planting outdoors, make sure your tamarillo cutting has plenty of sun and well-drained soil. Tamarillos love full sun but can also tolerate some shade.
- Transplant carefully: Gently remove the cutting from the water or soil, taking care not to damage the delicate roots. Plant it in a pot with good drainage or directly in the ground.
- Water the plant: Give the cutting a thorough watering after transplanting. Keep the soil moist, especially in the early stages, but avoid overwatering, as tamarillos don’t like soggy roots.
Step 5: Care for Your New Tamarillo Plant
Once your tamarillo cutting is in the ground, it’s time to nurture it into a thriving plant. Here’s how to keep your new tamarillo happy:
- Watering: Tamarillos need regular watering, especially when they’re young. However, they don’t like to sit in water, so make sure the soil drains well.
- Fertilizing: Feed your tamarillo plant with a balanced, organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to encourage strong growth and fruiting.
- Pruning: Trim back any dead or damaged branches, and consider cutting back the plant to encourage bushier growth if necessary.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Can you grow tamarillos from cuttings? Absolutely! With the right care and patience, you can propagate your own tamarillo plants at home and enjoy the fruits of your labor in a fraction of the time it takes to grow them from seeds. Growing tamarillos from cuttings allows you to skip over the tedious early stages of plant growth and get straight to the good stuff: fresh, home-grown tamarillos.
So grab your shears, pick a healthy plant, and start propagating your own tamarillo tree. Trust me, the sweet rewards are well worth the effort. Happy gardening!
