Tomatillo Growing Guide

 

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica)

 

Also known as the Mexican husk tomato, the tomatillo is a member of the nightshade family. It produces small, spherical fruits that are typically green or green-purple and enclosed in a distinctive papery husk.

Temperature

 

Tomatillos perform best when soil temperatures are approximately 65°F or warmer and air temperatures remain at 60°F or higher.

Soil

 

Choose a growing area with full sun and well-drained, moderately rich soil for optimal results. Tomatillos will also grow successfully in average garden soil.

Fertilization: Avoid excessive fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can encourage abundant foliage growth while reducing fruit production.

Planting

 

Sow 4–6 seeds per inch approximately 4–5 weeks before transplanting. Tomatillos are generally transplanted 1–2 weeks later than tomatoes, once the danger of frost has passed.

Important for Pollination: Plant at least two individual tomatillo plants to ensure successful pollination and fruit production.

Tomatillos mature relatively early and are well suited to both northern and southern climates. Plants are highly prolific and can continue producing fruit until frost ends the growing season.

Spacing

 

Tomatillo plants can become quite large. If plants will remain unpruned, space them approximately 2–3 feet apart to provide adequate room for growth.

Plant Spacing Approximately 2–3 feet apart for unpruned plants.
Pollination Grow at least two individual plants for successful pollination and fruit set.

Harvest

 

Harvest tomatillos when the fruit becomes plump and the surrounding husk begins to split.

Storage: Tomatillos can generally be stored for approximately 2–4 weeks at 45°F (7°C).

For More Information

 
→  UC ANR – Growing Tomatillos
→  University of Kentucky – Tomatillo
→  Utah State Extension – Tomatillos in the Garden
→  Printable Version

Grow Tomatillos

 

Ready to grow your own tomatillos? Explore our selection of tomatillo seed and find the right variety for your garden or operation.

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Tomatillo Growing Guide

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