Growing Tomatillos

Tomatillos (Physalis ixocarpa), also called ground tomatoes, are not hard to grow. They make wonderful verde sauce when mixed with some tomatoes and Jalapenos. Here is how to grow your own tomatillos.

Tomatillos are usually green but come in orange, red, yellow, or purple. They are covered with a wrapper called a calyx. When the tomatillo is ripe, the calyx becomes dry and papery.

Growing Tomatillos

Tomatillos grow in the same general conditions as tomatoes. They are usually planted a couple of weeks after tomatoes in the spring, and at the same time as tomatoes in the fall. Tomatillos are grown on vines that are bigger than tomato vines.

Sunlight

Tomatillos need at least six hours of sun a day. They are native to Mexico and Guatemala where they get a lot of sun.

Soil

Plant tomatillos in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They like a pH between 5.5-7.3.

Temperature

These relatives of the tomato are sensitive to the cold. They grow best when the temperature is 80-90 degrees F during the day and 60-70 degrees F at night.

Water

You will need to give your tomatillos a good watering twice a week. Give an inch of water each time. In cooler climates, the plants only need an inch of water once a week. For the best fruits, keep the ground evenly moist.

Fertilizer

Fertilize tomatillos when you transplant them to the garden with a balanced fertilizer formulated for tomatoes. Fertilize when the plant starts setting fruit, then every four weeks until the plant stops bearing fruit. Do not overfertilize with Nitrogen or the plant will grow well but have few tomatillos.

Mulching

Tomatillos benefit from having mulch around them. The mulch insulates the soil so it does not get so hot, retains moisture the plants need and helps prevent weeds. Put down three inches of mulch, but do not let it actually touch the plant. Leave a little gap so it doesn’t cause rot.

Spacing

Plant your transplants when they have five to seven leaves and a good root system. It takes the plants about six to eight weeks to grow from seed to this point. Plant tomatillos two feet apart and space the rows three feet apart. If you direct seed in the summer, plant two to three seeds one-half inch deep and pinch off the two weakest plants when they are about four inches tall.

Tomatillos are not self-pollinating, so you will need to plant at least two plants near each other to get fruit.

Staking or Caging

Tomatillos are vines and need to be staked or caged. Tall wooden posts will allow the vines to grow up them. Cages are not usually adequate. Tomatillo vines will root in multiple places if they are allowed to grow on the ground.

Harvesting Tomatillos

When the calyx is dry and papery, and the fruit fills it, harvest the tomatillos. Watch the fruit carefully as it quickly becomes overripe and ruins. The fruit will be harder than a ripe tomato. Fruit frequently falls off the vine before it is ripe. Store this fruit in its calyx while it ripens. Store mature fruit in the calyx in a paper bag. It will keep that way in the refrigerator for three weeks or so. Freeze for longer storage by removing the calyx. Wash and dry the fruit before placing them in a closed plastic bag.

Wash and dry any tomatillos before use as they have a very sticky coating on them. You do not need to peel or seed the tomatillo before use. The fruit is tart, so is usually used in salsa with tomatoes and peppers.