Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kilifi is poorly suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo). Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) a suitability score of 1/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7 band Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), which favours loam. At 150 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 #94 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kilifi County. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Kilifi's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 100 kg/acre (~KES 8,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kilifi's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Sorghum, and Finger Millet — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 5.8–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.8 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 109 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 800–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 150 m | 1,500–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Kilifi
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Top dressing guide
Kilifi's nitrogen (0.8 g/kg) is 67% 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