Description

Dwarf Tamarillo Seeds (Cyphomandra abutiloides) – Golden Tropical Treasure

Bring a burst of exotic sweetness and ornamental beauty to your garden with Dwarf Tamarillo—a rare South American novelty that delivers abundant, deep golden-orange fruits bursting with sweet, tangy, tropical flavor! Each ripe fruit offers rich pineapple undertones, making them irresistible for fresh eating, juicing, pies, jams, smoothies, or simply snacking straight from the vine. The plants themselves are stunning: lush, fragrant foliage and delicate flowers create a year-round ornamental showpiece, even indoors or in containers.

This compact variety thrives in our Nova Scotia test gardens and performs reliably in many climates. Start them like tomatoes—super easy and rewarding! In frost-free conditions, they mature into small, elegant trees loaded with fruit. A true collector’s gem for anyone who loves growing something deliciously different.

• Exotic Golden Fruits – Deep orange, juicy berries with sweet-tangy pineapple notes—perfect for fresh snacking, juices, desserts, and preserves.
• Ornamental All-Season Beauty – Fragrant leaves and attractive form make it a showstopper in pots, borders, or as a houseplant.
• Abundant Yields – Heavy producer once established; fruits ripen to a glowing golden hue for maximum flavor and visual impact.
• Easy Novelty Grow – Start indoors like tomatoes; fast-growing and forgiving with proper warmth and light.
• Tropical Flavor in Temperate Gardens – Brings South American flair to your space, even in cooler regions with protection.
• Days to Maturity: ~100 days to first ripe fruit
• Sun Exposure: 8–12 hours of full sun
• Germination: 14–21 days
• Ideal Temperature: 75–85°F
• Seed Depth: 1/8 inch
• Plant Spacing: 18 inches
• Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

Growing Tips

Start these indoors 12–24 weeks before your last frost date. Barely cover the seeds with soil and keep at a consistent 70–85°F—do not let the soil dry out (use a humidity dome or plastic wrap if needed). Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Provide full sun, rich well-draining soil, and regular watering during establishment. Stake or support taller plants as they mature. In colder climates like Nova Scotia, grow in pots to overwinter indoors or use a greenhouse for extended seasons.

When to Grow

Begin indoors in late winter/early spring for summer/fall harvests. They love heat and humidity—wait until soil and nights are reliably warm before moving outside.

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds shallowly in seed-starting mix. Maintain warmth and moisture for best germination. Once seedlings have 2–3 true leaves, transplant carefully to larger pots or directly into the garden in full sun. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.

How to Grow

These plants grow quickly once established. Feed lightly with balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season. Harvest when fruits turn deep golden-orange and feel slightly soft—flavor peaks at full ripeness. Prune lightly to encourage bushiness if desired.