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

17 Aug 14, Marie (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Tomatillos have done well here in Texas, which is extremely hot and dry. I grow them in the summer, and they seem to do well in temperatures over 39 degrees Celsius. Humidity does not bother them, but pruning lower branches helps prevent rot.
13 Aug 14, Angie (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone know if tomatillo's can handle heat and humidity? I'm in Darwin and we can't grow many things in the wet season. Tomatoes are strictly dry season but egg plants will grow all year round, which is kind of ironic as they are both from the night shade family.
28 Oct 16, Sandra (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Angie I have been told by Paulina at Green Harvest that tomatillos, particularly the sweeter Tomatillo Purple is suitable for hot humid areas. I have just ordered some to try here near Port Douglas. I don't know if quarantine laws allow them to send seeds to NT... I think it is only plants that are restricted. Green Harvest under their 'Organic Seeds' section have a whole listing dedicated to plants to grow n Hot and Humid conditions. They also have a book 'Tropical Food Gardens' that details suitable plants and growing methods. Hope this helps.
03 May 14, Matt from Canberra (Australia - temperate climate)
I got my seeds of purple tomatillo posted to me from mudflower blog (living-mudflower.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/perennial-annual-vegetables-for-sale.html) and they are still producing a huge crop this year. They did not set fruit until the daytime temps dropped below 40. Prior to that they were flowering well but the heat dentaures the pollen proteins. Apparently they set fruit best when you grow more than one plant.
07 Apr 14, Rod (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have a good crop this year in Bowral NSW not noted as sub tropical. I found them easy to grow from seeds.
10 Jan 14, Nina (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some plants that I grew from the seeds of dried Inca berries. However, I'm yet to grow tomatillos. The seeds I planted didn't germinate. Not one! Have you had success with this fruit?
03 Nov 13, Shahn (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
In Johannesburg you can get tomatillo plants from Bamboo Farmer's Market in Melville.
12 Oct 13, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
TOMATILLO (Physalis ixocarpa) can be purchased in New Zealand from gstuff.co.nz or kingsseeds.co.nz/ Both ship outside of New Zealand
07 Oct 13, Tarryn Annamalay (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I'd also like to know where to find seeds for Tomatillo or where to buy the tomatillo from in Johannesburg.
07 Oct 13, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Please let me know where I can find "tomatillo" seed. I am living in Pretoria, South Africa and I would love to taste these (for me) new kind of tomatoes. Thank you! Best regards, Elsabé Visagie
Showing 71 - 80 of 101 comments

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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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