Crop Rotation Group
Solanaceae (Potato and tomato family) ●
Soil
Average garden soil.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
None. Tomatillos are tropical plants that require warm conditions.
Feeding
Mix a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil before planting.
Companions
Depending on climate and soil, plants can grow up to 4 feet (1.3 m) tall and wide.
Spacing
Single Plants: 90cm (2' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 90cm (2' 11") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Start seeds indoors in late winter to spring and set seedlings out after the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. Set plants about 3 feet (1 m) apart. Grow at least two plants, spaced close together, to insure good pollination.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Tomatillos can reseed if allowed to do so, but extra seedlings are easy to lift and move or pull out.
Harvesting
After the outer husks of some fruit turn from green to tan, look for ripe tomatillos that have fallen to the ground. Gather and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Wash before cooking to remove sticky residue.
Troubleshooting
Plants sometimes wait until late in the season to bear an abundance of fruits. Slightly green (immature) tomatillos have the tart citrus flavor most people prefer. In Australia fruit fly are a pest of tomatillos, make sure to take appropriate control measures in areas where they are present. It is important to dispose of any infected fruit and fruit has fallen to the ground by placing them in a sealed plastic bag in the sun for at least 7 days to kill the eggs and larvae. Do not compost fruit as this will lead to the fruit fly completing their life cycle and lead to the problem recurring.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Tomatillo
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