When should I prune tamarillo?

Question. Hi, when should I prune tamarillo in Northland?

Answer. Pruning your tamarillo (also known as tree tomato) at the right time is essential for promoting healthy growth, improving fruit quality, and maintaining a manageable tree size. In Northland, New Zealand, the climate is generally mild and subtropical, which provides a suitable environment for tamarillo trees. Here’s a guide on when and how to prune your tamarillo for the best results.

Best Time to Prune Tamarillo

The optimal time to prune tamarillo trees in Northland is during late winter to early spring, typically from August to September. Pruning during this period has several benefits:

• Dormant Season: Pruning in late winter when the tree is dormant minimizes stress on the tree and reduces the risk of disease transmission.
• New Growth Promotion: As spring arrives, the tree will begin to produce new growth, allowing it to heal quickly and develop a healthy structure.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Pruning before the active growing season helps direct the tree’s energy towards flowering and fruiting rather than maintaining excessive foliage.

How to Prune Tamarillo

Photo by Yuliia Martsynkevych on Unsplash

Effective pruning involves removing dead or diseased wood, shaping the tree, and promoting healthy growth. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Remove Dead or Diseased Wood

Start by cutting away any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts and reduce the risk of spreading disease.

2. Thin Out the Canopy

Thin out the inner branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. This helps prevent fungal diseases and promotes even ripening of the fruit.

3. Shape the Tree

Prune to maintain a desirable shape and size. Remove any branches that are growing towards the center of the tree or crossing over other branches. Aim to create an open, vase-like structure.

4. Control Height

Tamarillo trees can grow quite tall, which can make harvesting difficult. Prune the top of the tree to keep it at a manageable height, encouraging horizontal growth and easier access to fruit.

5. Encourage New Growth

After the initial pruning, encourage new growth by selectively cutting back some of the older branches. This will stimulate the tree to produce new, fruit-bearing wood.

Post-Pruning Care

After pruning, give your tamarillo tree some extra care to help it recover and thrive:

• Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to provide essential nutrients for new growth and fruit development.
• Mulch: Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Watering: Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods, to support the tree’s recovery and growth.

Conclusion

Pruning your tamarillo tree in late winter to early spring in Northland, New Zealand, will help promote healthy growth, improve fruit quality, and maintain a manageable size. By following these pruning tips and providing proper post-pruning care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tamarillos.

Happy gardening, and may your tamarillo tree flourish!