Yellow Tamarillo Plant (Solanum betaceum) 2L Pot

Yellow Tamarillo is a fast-growing form of Solanum betaceum grown for its broad foliage and yellow to golden-orange fruit.

The plant develops large, heart-shaped leaves on upright, soft-wooded stems. Mature plants produce clusters of small pinkish-white flowers followed by oval fruit that ripens from green to yellow or golden orange.

Yellow-fruited Tamarillos are generally considered milder and sweeter than many red-fruited forms, although flavour and acidity will vary with growing conditions and ripeness. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in juices, sauces, chutneys and desserts.

In the UK, Yellow Tamarillo can be grown in a greenhouse, conservatory or as a summer patio plant. It grows quickly in warm conditions and benefits from protection against strong winds.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Solanum betaceum
Common names: Yellow Tamarillo, Yellow Tree Tomato
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Fast-growing, upright subtropical shrub or small tree
Potential height: Approximately 2–4 metres in cultivation under suitable conditions
Foliage: Large, heart-shaped green leaves
Flowers: Small pinkish-white, star-shaped flowers
Fruit: Oval fruit ripening to yellow or golden orange
Flavour: Typically sweet-sharp and milder than many red forms
Position: Full sun or bright partial shade
Suitable for: Greenhouses, conservatories, patios and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Yellow Tamarillo in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining compost. Move the plant into progressively larger containers as it grows.

Keep the compost consistently moist during active growth, but avoid waterlogging. Container-grown plants may require frequent watering during warm summer weather.

Place the plant somewhere warm, bright and sheltered from strong winds. Its broad leaves can tear in exposed positions, while mature branches may require support once carrying fruit.

Feed regularly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Change to a high-potassium feed once flowering begins to support flower and fruit development.

Overwinter in a bright, frost-free greenhouse, conservatory or indoor growing space. Reduce watering during winter as growth slows.

Fruiting in the UK

Yellow Tamarillo requires warmth, strong light and a long growing season. Mature plants may flower and produce fruit under greenhouse or conservatory conditions, but fruit production, colour and ripening cannot be guaranteed in the UK.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one healthy Yellow Tamarillo plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plant height, leaf size and colouring will vary naturally depending on the time of year and stage of growth.

Important Information

Do not eat the leaves, stems or flowers. Only fully ripe fruit should be considered for consumption.

Keep the plant away from children and pets that may chew the foliage.