Growing Tomatillo
Physalis ixocarpa : Solanaceae / the nightshade family
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | S | ||||||||||
| T | T |
(Best months for growing Tomatillo in South Africa - Semi-arid 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 21°C and 27°C.
- Space plants: 70 cm apart
- Harvest in 10-14 weeks. Husk splits when fruit is ripe..
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Will happily grow in a flower border
NB: Tomatillos are not self-fertile so you need to have at least two plants for cross-pollination. Tomatillos are from the same family as Cape Gooseberries, with a papery husk round the fruit.
Tomatillo plants are similar in growth to tomatoes and spread about 1 - 1.5 m. Can be supported but are happy spreading themselves around. The plants are very productive so 2 or 3 plants may be enough for the average household.
Tomatillos will cope with cooler weather than tomatoes. The fruit will swell to fill the husk as they ripen. Do not use fertiliser.
When buying seed, check that it is Ph.ixocarpa not Ph.peruviana otherwise you will grow Cape Gooseberries instead of Tomatillos.
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Tomatillo
Use in spicy sauces with or to replace tomatoes.
They are the base of salsa verde in Mexican cookery.
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