Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Yes — Vihiga is well suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo). Vihiga's soil (pH 5.62, slightly acidic) gives Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) a suitability score of 75/100. Match fertilizer to Vihiga's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Vihiga County is well suited to Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), scoring 75/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 5.62 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 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 #26 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Vihiga County. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) crop here can gross roughly KES 640,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 800–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,500–2,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Vihiga
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Vihiga's nitrogen (1.02 g/kg) is 85% 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