Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Kiambu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile

Kiambu County is a solid choice for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, 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 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) prefers loam soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Kiambu's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,700 kg/acre (~KES 536,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

67Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKiambu soilTree Tomato (Tamarillo) needsStatus
pH5.285.87Adjust
Nitrogen1.01 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus13.7 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,100 mm800–1,800 mmOK
Altitude1,700 m1,500–2,800 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Staking & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruit Development

Short Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Staking & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruit Development

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Every 3 months
Instruction
Perennial — ring-apply around the drip line each quarter. Add NPK at flowering.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Economics

Market priceKES 80/kg
Expected yield in Kiambu6,700 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 536,000/acre
Adjusted for Kiambu's 67/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) can reach 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag