Planting and Growing Guide for Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa)
Description
Tomatillos are from the same family as Cape Gooseberries, and have a papery husk enclosing a round green fruit. Tomatillo plants grow in a similar way to their relatives: tomatoes, sweet peppers and eggplants. Tomatillos can grow quite tall and spread about 1-1.5 m (3 to 4 feet) in width. Like tomatoes, Tomatillos can be supported with stakes or frames to keep the fruit off the ground and stop the plants from spreading too much. Tomatillos cope better with cooler weather than tomatoes, however they are essentially a warm weather plant. Tomatillos generally require little or no fertiliser, apart from that derived from compost applied as a mulch. Always plant two or more Tomatillo plants close together for the adjacent blooms to be pollinated, and fruit to be produced. Tomatillos do not self-fertilise.
Generally, Tomatillos seedlings are planted in the garden in spring after the danger of frost has passed, and the soil has begun to warm up. Choose a sunny spot, and enrich the soil with compost. Space plants about 1 m (3 feet) apart with a stake, trellis or cage to support them as they grow. Treat tomatillos as you would tomatoes, keeping the soil evenly moist. Mulch well to conserve moisture and help to control weeds.
Your Tomatillo is ready to be harvested when the fruit is green, and the husks start to split. Do not leave any longer to harvest as the fruit may turn yellow, split, and have an inferior taste. Tomatillo can be used in a similar way to tomatoes. They are used in many Mexican dishes such as Salsa Verde, when combined with peppers and other seasonings.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Start seeds indoors in late winter to spring and set seedlings out after the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. Sow seed directly into the garden at a depth of 1 cm (1/2 inch) in warm frost-free areas. In colder areas sow in seed trays and plant out after 4-6 weeks. Tomatillo grows well in pots and other containers. Grow at least two plants, spaced close together, as the plants do not self-fertilise.
Space between plants: Allow about 70-90 cm (28-35 inches) between plants. Allow about 90 cm (3 feet) between rows
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 10-14 weeks. Generally harvest when the husks start to split
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun. But can be grown in partial shade in warmer areas
- Will grow in a range of soil types, except for heavy clay soils
- Add compost around the plants as they grow as a mulch and source of nutrients.
- Prepare the bed before planting by digging in compost and placing a thick layer of compost over the soil surface.
- Do not water Tomatillo excessively. Water regularly but sparingly allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. Tomatillo is drought resistant.
- Tomatillo does best in well-drained, sandy, or light loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid or alkaline pH (6.0-8.0). Resist the temptation to over-fertilize.
- Tomatillo is a lighter feeder than tomatoes. They do poorly in wet, poorly drained soils.
- Use stakes, trellises or other support especially when planted in windy exposed areas
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!