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Tomatillo

Physalis philadelphica

INTRODUCTION

Native to Central America, the Tomatillo (tom-a-tee-yo) is closely related to the Tomato and Cape Gooseberry. Used to make traditional green Salsa, they have a tart citrus-like flavour and can be eaten raw but are usually cooked.

A sprawling plant, Tomatillos have similar growth habits as Tomatoes and are surprisingly productive/well suited to growing in a greenhouse or polytunnel. The fruits are produced inside a thin papery shell and mature to a yellow or purple colour, normally harvested at the green stage.

Soil Preparation

Tomatillos are a warm-season crop that are not best suited to outdoor growing in the Uk unless you can provide a hot environment.

For the best results grow in a greenhouse, polytunnel or even cold frame.

Tomatillos require a long growing season with consistently warm conditions.

Grow in the greenhouse/polytunnel border, or a more convenient method of production is to grow in pots or grow bags. If using pots, an ideal container size of at least 5-10 litres should be used filled with quality compost.

Sowing & Planting

Seeds should be sown early in the year, preferably, January or February. Always use a heated propagator and maintain a temperature of 22-28oc if you wish to achieve the best results.

Seeds will take about 10 days to germinate. When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into 9cm pots and try to keep growing on temperatures at 16-20oc.

During late spring, pot on into final growing position. Maintain temperatures at 16-20oc.