Growing Tomatillo

Physalis ixocarpa : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                    S  
                      T

(Best months for growing Tomatillo in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 81°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 28 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-14 weeks. Husk splits when fruit is ripe..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Will happily grow in a flower border

Your comments and tips

11 May 20, -Kit (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
Hi Annie, Wondering how your Tomatillo experiment worked out? I’m wanting to give it a try out here on the west coast!
10 May 18, (Australia - arid climate)
I got 2 tomatoes, but one died. Will they grow from cuttings or do I have to find another seedling (tomatoes or tomatillos ? ed:)
11 May 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You are in tomatillos and talking about tomatoes - confused. Put a cutting (2 or 3) in a jar of water and they should sprout roots in a week or so I believe. If tomatoes - take a slice of a good ripe one and laying it in some soil and cover it with some soil or potting mix. The seeds should germinate in a week or two.
06 Feb 18, Michael Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
I've been growing tomatillos for six years in inner suburban Melbourne. They went totally crazy this January, and I think this will be the best crop yet. Here's my blog entry from 2013 which includes a salsa verde recipe https://valcook.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/tomatillo-season-is-here-again.html There are loads of recipes, since these are used extensively in Mexican cooking. Go nuts :-)
15 May 19, Janelle locke (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’m desperately looking to grow tomatillos do you know where I can get seeds or a cutting ? Thanks janelle
17 May 19, Patti (Australia - temperate climate)
We just chopped ours all down as the season in Adelaide is finishing. Planting guide is similar to tomato. Original seeds I got from Bunnings the “world seed collection” but have also got some online trying to find different varieties. This is a great plant, got 6 months productivity Cheers Patti
02 Dec 17, LEah (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’m in The Riverina nsw and I have just planted a couple tomatillo seedlings, hoping for the best, what area are you in? Any tips on growing them?
03 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Google "how to grow tomatillos" and read read read.
07 Nov 17, Patricia (Australia - temperate climate)
What a lovely idea! I’ve never grown them and about to plant some seeds-
07 Oct 17, Juanito Dela Cuestak (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy tomatillo seedling or seeds in Melbourne. And, how to grow tomatillo plants here in Melbourne.
Showing 21 - 30 of 101 comments

You are in tomatillos and talking about tomatoes - confused. Put a cutting (2 or 3) in a jar of water and they should sprout roots in a week or so I believe. If tomatoes - take a slice of a good ripe one and laying it in some soil and cover it with some soil or potting mix. The seeds should germinate in a week or two.

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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