How to Grow Tomatillo
Physalis philadelphica
Tomatillos are tender annuals related to tomatoes, grown for their tangy green fruits enclosed in papery husks. Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost at 20-30°C. Plant out after all frost risk has passed, spacing 60 cm apart. You must grow at least two plants for cross-pollination. Support with stakes or cages. Harvest when husks split and fruits fill them completely. Prolific producers in warm summers.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 16°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed with a balanced fertiliser at planting, then switch to high-potash feed once flowering begins. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over fruit.
- Tomatillos need at least two plants for cross-pollination — a single plant will not set fruit. Harvest when the papery husk splits and the fruit fills it completely. Green varieties are used for salsa verde.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 16°C+
- Germination temperature
- 20–30°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 60 cm |
| Row spacing | 90 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 120 cm |
| Mature spread | 80 cm |
Space 60 cm apart with 90 cm between rows. Plants grow large and sprawling. Grow at least two plants for cross-pollination.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 16°C |
| Germination temperature | 20–30°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 12h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Tomatillo?
- Plant Tomatillo 60cm apart with 90cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Tomatillo?
- Tomatillo is ready to harvest approximately 75 days after transplanting.
- Is Tomatillo frost hardy?
- Tomatillo is classified as Tender.
