When we were kids they were called tree tomatoes. Now, much more romantically, they're tamarillos.
I don't like to eat them, but I'm planting a couple this year because they look fabulous in the garden, and I can give the fruit away. There's also a new variety out called tango, which
is much sweeter and less inclined to turn your cheeks inside out.
They're reasonably easy, forgiving plants and are self-fertile. If you get a few things right, they should provide you with plenty of fruit. Now is about the time to plant since the frosts are over, but they do need wind protection. So find a sheltered, sunny spot and plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Tams are shallow-rooted, so once you've got the plant in the ground, don't go digging around it.
If it looks a bit willowy, stake it.
Be prepared to water and mulch over summer, but if you have wet soil, plant it on a mound for better drainage.
When your plant's about a metre high, remove the central growing tip to encourage side branching.
It will stop your tree growing so tall that you can't reach the fruit.
Like me, pests don't really like tamarillos either, although aphids will take a few bites.
Of course, along with everything I don't like, they're really good for you - full of vitamins A, B6 and C - with lots of iron and potassium.
