Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Bungoma County is well suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), scoring 75/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) crop here can gross roughly KES 640,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 800–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,500–2,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag