Dwarf Tamarillo/Brazilian Velvet Peach (Solanum abutiloides) - Seeds

The velvety fruit for the pot

Scope of delivery: 20 seeds each

Bring a tropical flair to your balcony or terrace! This fascinating rarity grows rapidly into an imposing shrub and spoils you with an exotic snacking experience in its very first year.

Growth & Appearance

• Lifespan: Perennial (if overwintered frost-free).

• Growth height: Grows rapidly and reaches up to 2 m as a potted plant.

• Habit: Forms a robust, sprawling shrub. The absolute highlight are the huge, heart-shaped leaves, densely covered with fine hairs, which feel wonderfully soft (hence the name "Velvet Peach").

• Flower & Fruit: Decorative, star-shaped white flower panicles develop into dense clusters of small, orange, edible fruits.

Origin The home of this plant is in the high-altitude cloud and mountain forests of South America, particularly in the Andean regions of Argentina and Bolivia.

Ingredients As with all nightshade plants, the green leaves and unripe fruits contain the toxic alkaloid solanine. However, once the berries turn bright orange and yield softly to light pressure, they are completely non-toxic. They then boast plenty of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals.

Use

• In the kitchen: An exotic snack fruit! The small orange fruits have an intensely fruity, slightly tart taste, reminiscent of a wild mix of apricot, passion fruit, and tomato. They can be eaten directly from the bush, cooked into tropical jams, or used to refine salsas.

• As an ornamental plant: With its huge, velvety leaves, it is a fantastic structural plant that instantly adds a jungle feel to any seating area.

History The plant is very closely related to the well-known tree tomato (tamarillo, Solanum betaceum). In contrast to its larger sister, which often takes years for the first harvest, the dwarf variety is a true pioneer plant that produces countless fruits just a few months after sowing.

Curiosities Not only the fruits are an experience, but also the leaves! When you stroke the soft foliage, the plant emits a unique, slightly tart to spicy-pungent scent. In its homeland, it protects itself naturally from hungry insects and animals.

Location, care & other important things

• Location: Sunny to semi-shady and absolutely sheltered from wind (the large leaves can easily tear in a storm).

• Care: Due to its enormous growth and large leaf mass, the plant is extremely thirsty on warm days and needs plenty of nutrients (fertilize regularly!).

• Overwintering: The dwarf tamarillo is not winter hardy. However, it can be overwintered very well in a cool, bright spot indoors or in a conservatory. A strong pruning is recommended before bringing it inside. This way, it will sprout beautifully bushy again in spring.

Sowing instructions: Dwarf Tamarillo (Solanum abutiloides)

Cultivation is straightforward and similar to that of normal tomatoes or eggplants. An early start is worthwhile to enjoy a long harvest season in summer!

When to sow?

• Pre-cultivation (indoors): From mid-February to early April.

How to sow?

• Sowing depth: Place the seeds about 0.5 cm deep in potting soil and lightly press down.

• Germination conditions: Keep the soil evenly moist, but by no means wet (risk of mold). Place the containers in a bright, very warm spot. Optimal temperatures are 20 to 25 °C.

• Germination period: Be patient! Germination is often a little more irregular than with tomatoes and usually takes 10 to 20 days, sometimes a little longer.

Planting out & location

• Pricking out: As soon as the seedlings form their first large, velvety leaves, they should be carefully transplanted into individual pots with nutrient-rich soil.

• Moving outdoors: Only after the Ice Saints (mid-May). Since the plant can be overwintered, it is best to plant it directly in a large, sturdy pot (at least 15 to 20 liters), which can simply be moved indoors in the autumn.