first year here growing dwarf tamarillos and I must say, theyve impressed me somewhat. Theyre just starting to ripen in force now. I didn’t expect much of a yield until year 2. Thats been mostly my experience with oddball perennial solanaceous stuff. I can’t believe how much theyve grown- I started them from seed in March an theyre pushing 14 ft tall in the high tunnel. The first few I ate were somewhat disappointing, but Ive warmed up to the flavor, which is initially sweet and tropical but with a mild bitter finish. My 12 yo daughter like em too. Wife and son not so much. After picking maybe 1 1/2 pints (first substantial harvest, lots on the way) my hands were thoroughly sticky. The resin content of all parts of the plant are pretty noticeable. I’ve wondered if it might have pesticidal properties. Aphids and whiteflies like it, but it’s otherwise unmolested by pests of any kind
I didn’t notice a thread of any kind so thought Id start one. Who is growing or has grown it? Who’s interested or excited about it? Anyone have any wisdom to share?
For essentially a weed, its pretty good. There seems to be potential there. In addition to growing out and selecting superior types (if there are any), hybridization with other Cyphomandra seems like it might prove fruitful. I wonder what the variability of wild individuals might be like. My seedlings are all pretty similar.
It lives many years (I surmise, based on my experience with tamarillo) so can be overwintered in a container and planted out during the growing season in marginal areas.
