Red Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum, ripe fruit cut open to reveal orange flesh and dark seeds

Red Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum, macro view of ripe fruit flesh and dark seeds

Red Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum, pale pink star shaped flower close-up

Red Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum, broad green leaves and fresh foliage

Mature Red Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum, tree carrying multiple ripe red fruits

Red Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum, ripe red orange fruit hanging on the tree

Tamarillo Seeds Solanum betaceum

Australian Grown • Organically Cultivated • Prolific Andean Fruit Tree

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STANDARD 10 × SEEDS $9.95

SAVE 33% BEST VALUE 30 × SEEDS $19.95

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Did You Know?

Tamarillo Seeds

Solanum betaceum

The word Tamarillo did not exist as a fruit name until 1967. The fruit had previously been marketed as tree tomato but New Zealand growers wanted a more distinctive identity for international markets. Growers voted 145 to 13 in favour of the new name and Tamarillo officially came into use on 1 February 1967.

Product Highlights

Pack Size: Standard Pack with 10 seeds or Best Value Pack with 30 seeds
Botanical Name: Solanum betaceum
Seed Origin: Australian grown from organically cultivated plants
Plant Type: Fast-growing, frost-sensitive perennial fruiting shrub or small tree
Mature Size: Typically around 2 to 4 metres in cultivation, with larger plants possible in favourable conditions
Flowers & Fruit: Pink-white star-shaped flowers followed by smooth red egg-shaped fruit with orange flesh and dark seeds

About Red Tamarillo

Few fruiting plants move from seedling to fruit as quickly as Red Tamarillo.

Solanum betaceum develops into a striking subtropical shrub or small tree with broad heart-shaped leaves, delicate pink-white flowers and clusters of glossy red fruit.

The thin red skin encloses orange-red flesh surrounding numerous dark seeds, with a bright sweet-tart flavour that is distinctly different from an ordinary tomato. Fully ripe fruit can be eaten fresh or used in sauces, chutneys and desserts.

Red Tamarillo performs best in a warm, sheltered position with full sun, regular moisture and free-draining fertile soil.

An Andean Fruit Carried Around the World

Solanum betaceum is native to the northern Andes of South America, where the fruit has long been cultivated and is widely known as tomate de árbol, meaning tree tomato.

Its precise wild ancestry is difficult to reconstruct because people have cultivated, selected and moved Tamarillo for generations, but the northern Andean region remains central to the species’ history and diversity.

Tamarillo reached New Zealand in 1891. Early introductions produced yellow and purple fruit, before a red-fruited form was developed at Māngere East during the 1920s and became the foundation of the modern red crop.

In 1967 New Zealand growers officially replaced the name tree tomato with Tamarillo to give the fruit a distinctive identity for export markets. The New Zealand name went on to become the internationally recognised name for the crop.

How to Grow Red Tamarillo from Seed in Australia

Best Time to Start

September to December. In subtropical or reliably frost-free districts, sowing can begin from August once warm conditions are established.

Prepare the Growing Medium

Fill small pots or propagation cells with a clean, fine-textured and free-draining seed-raising mix. Moisten the mix so it is evenly damp but not saturated. No scarification or stratification is required.

Sow the Seeds

Sow the seeds approximately 3 to 5 mm deep and cover lightly with seed-raising mix. Water gently so the seed is not displaced.

Keep Warm & Evenly Moist

Maintain approximately 20 to 25 °C with bright filtered light. Keep the growing medium evenly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged or completely dry.

Allow Time for Germination

Under suitable warmth and moisture, germination commonly begins within about 14 to 28 days. Some seeds may take longer, so continue maintaining suitable conditions rather than discarding sound seed too early.

Establish & Transplant

Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, pot them on carefully. Gradually acclimatise young plants to stronger direct sunlight, then move them into a sheltered full-sun position once well established and the risk of frost has passed.

Germination Notice

While we provide detailed growing instructions, successful germination depends on environmental factors such as season, temperature, moisture, growing medium and care. Because these conditions are outside our control, Sacred Plants Australia cannot guarantee germination outcomes. By purchasing our seeds, you acknowledge and accept these variables.

Light

Grow in full sun for strongest growth, flowering and fruit production. Choose a position sheltered from strong wind because Tamarillo develops soft, relatively brittle growth.

Water

Water regularly during establishment and active growth. Maintain reasonably consistent moisture, especially while flowering and fruiting, while allowing excess water to drain freely.

Soil

Provide fertile, organically rich and free-draining soil. Avoid persistently waterlogged sites. A slightly acidic to neutral growing medium is suitable.

Feeding

Apply compost or a balanced fertiliser during active growth where required. Regular light feeding is preferable to heavy applications that force excessively soft growth.

Cool Conditions

Tamarillo is frost-sensitive. Protect young plants from frost and cold winds, and provide additional protection in cooler districts during winter.

Maintenance

Allow room for a broad canopy and support heavily laden branches where necessary. Light pruning can be used to maintain shape, remove damaged growth and encourage a manageable branching framework.

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TAS

Conditions apply Please verify current Tasmanian small-weight seed import requirements before ordering. View Tasmanian seed import requirements →

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INTERNATIONAL

Conditions apply Please confirm your destination's import requirements before ordering. International post is available where permitted. Sacred Plants Australia does not provide phytosanitary certificates.

Last Reviewed: 1 October 2026

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Starter Pack • 10 Seeds

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Tamarillo Seeds Solanum betaceum

Choose Your Quantity

Quantity

Did You Know?

Tamarillo Seeds

Product Highlights

About Red Tamarillo

How to Grow Red Tamarillo from Seed in Australia

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