Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Baringo
Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Baringo is poorly suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo). Baringo's soil (pH 6.22, slightly acidic) gives Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) a suitability score of 25/100. Match fertilizer to Baringo's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Baringo County is a challenging environment for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) (soil-match score 25/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7 band Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), which favours loam. At 900 m, the county sits below Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s preferred altitude range (1500–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) is the #95 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Baringo County. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Baringo's 25/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Baringo's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Finger Millet, and Groundnuts — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Baringo soil | Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.22 | 5.8–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.32 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 212 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 800–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,500–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Baringo
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Baringo's nitrogen (1.32 g/kg) already meets Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag