Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kwale is poorly suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo). Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) a suitability score of 1/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale 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 6.76 — 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 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 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 200 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 #102 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Kwale'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 Kwale's soil: Dhania, Pigeon Peas, and Mango — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5.8–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 800–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 1,500–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Kwale
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Top dressing guide
Kwale's nitrogen (0.93 g/kg) is 78% 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