Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Nyandarua is moderately suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo). Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) a suitability score of 71/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Nyandarua County is a solid choice for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 5.38 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 phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.28 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 166 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 Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) is the #23 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Nyandarua's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,100 kg/acre (~KES 568,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

71Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyandarua soilTree Tomato (Tamarillo) needsStatus
pH5.385.87Adjust
Nitrogen1.28 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus14 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium166 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,100 mm800–1,800 mmOK
Altitude2,300 m1,500–2,800 mOK

Planting calendar for Nyandarua

Long Rains· MarchMayMain season here

March
Transplanting & Basal
April
Staking & Top Dressing
May
Fruit Development

Short Rains· OctoberDecember

October
Transplanting & Basal
November
Staking & Top Dressing
December
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 in Nyandarua
0.5

Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.

Economics

Market priceKES 80/kg
Expected yield in Nyandarua7,100 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 568,000/acre
Adjusted for Nyandarua's 71/100 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(5,700)
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