Vegetable · Fruiting vegetable
Tomatillos
Physalis philadelphicaA vigorous relative of tomatoes and ground cherries, grown for its tart, green (or purple-blushed) fruit wrapped in a papery husk — the essential base for salsa verde. It needs a second plant nearby for reliable pollination and fruit set. The one rule: let the husk fill out and split before picking.
Sow depth
¼ in
Spacing
24 in apart · rows 3 ft
Sun
Full sun
Germination
7–14 days
Time to harvest
65–75 days
Difficulty
Easy
When to sow tomatillos
- Sow from around your last expected frost until about 14 weeks before the first expected autumn frost.
Start indoors — sow 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.Keep compost around 27°C for the fastest, most even germination.Transplant only once frost risk has passed and soil has warmed.
Plant at least two — tomatillos need a partner nearby to set fruit.Stake or cage sprawling stems once fruit begins to weigh branches down.Water evenly; consistent moisture keeps husks filling out steadily.
Pick once the husk fills and splits — the fruit inside should feel firm.Ripe fruit often drops on its own; check the ground beneath plants too.Husks turn papery and tan-brown as fruit reaches full ripeness.
Companion plants
Sweetcorn is a traditional milpa partner — its tall stalks give young tomatillo plants useful wind shelter.
Watch out for
Flea beetles — Riddle young leaves with small holes in warm, dry weather. Cover transplants with fine mesh until plants are established.Aphids — Cluster on tender new growth and shoots. Hose off with a strong water jet or encourage ladybirds.