Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kakamega is moderately suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo). Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) a suitability score of 72/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a solid choice for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), with a soil-match score of 72/100. At an average pH of 5.63 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 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) is the #29 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. 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 | Kakamega soil | Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 800–1,800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,500–2,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kakamega
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) is 84% of the 1.2 g/kg Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag