Tamarillo ‘Bi-Color’ is a stunning and unusual fruiting plant that brings both beauty and flavour to the garden. Also known as the tree tomato (Solanum betaceum), tamarillos are native to the Andes of South America, where they have been grown and enjoyed for centuries. The bi-colour variety produces striking oval fruits with skins flushed in red, orange, and gold, making them as ornamental as they are edible!

The fruit itself is juicy and tangy, with a unique flavour that’s somewhere between passionfruit, tomato and kiwi. The golden-red marbled flesh is not only pretty but also packed with nutrients.

Nutritionally, tamarillos are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium, and fibre. Their vivid colours come from natural antioxidants like anthocyanins and carotenoids, which help fight free radicals and support overall health. Low in calories but full of flavour, they’re excellent for boosting immunity and vitality.

In the kitchen, Tamarillo ‘Bi-Color’ is wonderfully versatile. The fruit can be eaten fresh (scooped out with a spoon), blended into smoothies, or used in chutneys, sauces, jams, and desserts. Its sweet-sharp tang also makes it a perfect partner for savoury dishes, from roasted meats to colourful salads.

The plants are small, fast-growing evergreen trees, reaching 2–3 metres in height. They thrive in warm, frost-free climates and will reward you with crops of colourful fruit within 1–2 years if well cared for. The large, heart-shaped leaves add tropical flair to the garden, and the pink-white blossoms are a magnet for bees.

How to Grow From Seed:
Sow seeds indoors in spring or early summer. Use a seed-raising mix and sow them about 0.5 cm deep, keeping the soil moist and warm (20–25°C). Germination usually takes 3–5 weeks, so be patient.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on until they’re strong enough for the garden. Plant in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, free-draining soil, and protect from strong winds.

Tamarillos like regular watering and benefit from mulch to keep roots cool. In cooler regions, they can be grown in large pots and moved to a frost-free spot over winter.

Within 18 months to 2 years, your tree should reward you with its first crop of jewel-like bi-colour fruits. Pick them when the skin colours up fully and they give slightly to the touch.