Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Machakos
Soil suitability analysis based on Machakos's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Machakos is poorly suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo). Machakos's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) a suitability score of 33/100. Match fertilizer to Machakos's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Machakos County is a challenging environment for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s preferred 5.8–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.82 g/kg, P 31.4 mg/kg, K 338 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) is the #89 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Machakos County. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Machakos's 33/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,300 kg/acre (~KES 264,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Machakos's soil: Mango, Sisal, and Moringa — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Machakos soil | Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.82 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 31.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 338 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 800–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 1,500–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Machakos
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Top dressing guide
Machakos's nitrogen (0.82 g/kg) is 68% 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