Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Possible but challenging — Siaya is only marginally suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo). Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) a suitability score of 42/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Siaya County is a challenging environment for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.33 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 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) is the #95 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Siaya's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,200 kg/acre (~KES 336,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Siaya's soil: Macadamia, Pineapple, and Avocado — each scores higher on the same soil.

42Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorSiaya soilTree Tomato (Tamarillo) needsStatus
pH5.335.87Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.1 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium134 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,200 mm800–1,800 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m1,500–2,800 mLow

Planting calendar for Siaya

Long Rains· MarchMayMain season here

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

Short Rains· SeptemberNovember

September
Transplanting & Basal
October
Staking & Top Dressing
November
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 Siaya
0.5

Siaya's nitrogen (1.2 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 Siaya4,200 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 336,000/acre
Adjusted for Siaya's 42/100 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