“When properly attended, one tree tomato plant can produce about two kilograms of fruits per week,” said the farmer adding that she usually sells the produce to dealers in Nakuru town at a price of between 70 to 90 Kenyan shillings per kilo.
How profitable is tree tomato farming in Kenya?
With the current market price of five shillings for each tomato, a farmer investing in this type of farming can earn Sh70,000 more per acre compared to maize which earns approximately Sh90,000 per acre.
Are tree tomatoes profitable in Kenya?
With a production lifetime of 12 years, and reaching peak harvest time in 1 to 3 years, tree tomato farming can be profitable if the trees are well taken care of. Tree tomato farming is gaining momentum in the Kenyan market due to the demand for the fruit, in both the juicing and fresh fruit market.
How long does a tree tomato take to mature?
two years
“Normally, a tree tomato plant takes two years to bear fruits, but the grafted one matures in nine months. The grafted variety is more resistant to diseases, matures faster, and does well in high altitude as well as drier areas because it acquires favorable traits from indigenous Muthakwa plant,” Gitari says.
How many fruits can a tree tomato produce?
The tree usually forms a single upright trunk with lateral branches and flowers and fruits hang from the lateral branches. The leaves are large, simple and perennial and have a strong pungent smell while the flowers are pink-white and form clusters of 10-50 flowers. They produce 1 to 6 fruits per cluster.
How much can one earn from an acre of tomatoes in Kenya?
If he has crop when price is high at Sh5,000 to Sh6,000, he earns about Sh1. 5 million from an acre. He incurs about Sh150,000 to tend an acre of tomatoes to maturity.
Is tree tomato profitable?
RED ORATIA TREE TOMATOES DUE FOR HARVESTING
“The trees produce between 20 and 25 kgs of fruits annually. A kilo of tree tomato fruits sells at between Sh60 to Sh80 depending on the demand in the market.”
How many tomato plants can be planted in an acre?
An acre needs around 10,000 seedings which cost around sh385,000. However, if you are not a commercial farmer, you can squeeze seeds from the tomatoes that you use at home, dry the seeds and then plant them.
What can be intercropped with tree tomatoes?
If you want to diversify agribusiness, you can intercrop your tree tomatoes with beans and other vegetables. Grafted tree tomato farming in Kenya is a commercial venture And has a ready market.
How long do tomato trees live?
How long can a tomato plant live? A tomato plant typically lives for one growing season (6-8 months) when grown outdoors, but when nurtured in ideal or controlled growing conditions indoors, tomato plants can survive between 2-5 years. Propagating healthy cuttings may also extend its life indefinitely.
Does tree tomato increase blood?
Increase your tree-tomato intake to lower the levels of high blood pressure. Loaded with good sources of minerals and potassium, this fruit helps control blood pressure.
What causes yellowing of leaves in tree tomatoes?
Nutrient Deficiency is a Likely Cause. The most common reason why the leaves on established tomato plants turn yellow is a lack of nutrients in the soil. Tomatoes are extremely heavy feeders and require plenty of nutrients to grow healthy and be fruitful. Signs of nutrient deficiency often start low on the tomato plant
What are tree tomatoes good for?
Tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea) is appreciated for its excellent nutritional qualities, being considered a good source of antioxidants compounds, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, sugars, organic acids, pectins and flavonoids.
What are tree tomatoes used for?
Tree-tomato offers vitamins A, C and E to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant. Anthocyanin, phenols and flavonoids protect the skin from oxidative stress, pollution. Tree-tomato also helps in anti-aging. Just as regular tomatoes, these can be used in home remedies for various skin problems.
Can you grow tamarillo from cuttings?
To grow a tamarillo plant from seed, save the seeds from ripe fruits. Leave these black seeds to dry for one to two days and then sow in seedling soil. To propagate from tamarillo cuttings, take a cutting, approximately 20 centimetres in length, with one leaf from a strong and healthy shoot.
Which is the best month to plant tomatoes in Kenya?
“I can plant for three seasons, but due to market dynamics, I prefer growing two seasons, between December and April as well as August and January when prices are better.” Kiptoo has set up a nursery where he propagates his seedlings before he plants them to the main farm after four weeks.
How much is a crate of tomatoes in Kenya?
Kenya tomatoes wholesale price. In 2022, the approximate price range for Kenya Tomatoes is between US$ 2.85 and US$ 1.41 per kilogram or between US$ 1.29 and US$ 0.64 per pound(lb). The price in Kenyan Shilling is KES 310.15 per kg. The average price for a tonne is US$ 2847.22 in Mombasa and Nairobi.
Which is the best tomato variety in Kenya?
Here are the most popular and high yielding tomato varieties in Kenya.
- Anna F1 Tomato Variety. This tomato variety is a Monsanto hybrid.
- Faulu Tomato.
- Mavuno F1 Tomato Variety.
- Money Maker Tomatoes.
- Marglobe Tomato.
Are tree tomatoes edible?
While the fruits of growing tree tomatoes are edible and vary between trees, they are much more bitter tasting than your average tomato. The skin is also tougher, with colors varying among the different varieties from yellow to red or even purple.
How can I make my tomato plants grow faster?
Here are six ways to get a jump on the growing season and shorten the wait for those first juicy fruits.
- Choose a Fast-Maturing Variety.
- Warm Up the Soil.
- Harden Off Plants.
- Protect Young Tomato Plants from Wind and Chill.
- Wait to Apply Mulch.
- Support Plants.
How long do tomatoes take to mature in Kenya?
Tomato farming in Kenya is such a profitable business idea. they grow very fast. Most tomato varieties in Kenya such as the Anna F1 reach maturity 60-75 days after transplanting.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.