Growing Tomatillo

Physalis ixocarpa : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              
        P              

(Best months for growing Tomatillo in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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

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25 Nov 13, Mima (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, There is a nursery near Hartebeespoort dam, where I bough tomatillo plants a month ago. Google Mountain Herb Estate, the New Zealand web site doesn't allow me to post the page link. Cheers Mima
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30 Aug 13, Katrina (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought my seeds from the seed collection website.
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20 Aug 13, marajon (Australia - temperate climate)
can you help were to buy tomatillo seeds or plants and the best ones for this area
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07 Feb 13, damian reddington (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
can I eat my tomatillo raw?, can i eat before they turn purple
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27 Jan 13, Andrew Charles (Australia - temperate climate)
Tomatillo, Cape gooseberry, husk tomato and ground cherry are different names used somewhat interchangeably for different plants in the Physalis genus of the nightshade family. Green Harvest in Qld sells three varieties of tomatillo seeds and the sweet Cape Gooseberry (greenharvest.com.au/SeedOrganic/VegetableSeeds/TomatilloToTurnip.html). Unfortunately Green Harvest's Physalis seeds can't be shipped to WA, and only the tomatillo varieties can be shipped to NSW. Chile Mojo is in SA, and can't ship tomatillo seeds to WA, neither can Diggers (although they will ship cape gooseberry seeds to NSW and also have another type of ground cherry). TAS and NT may also have quarantine restrictions for some species of Physalis from other states. Two different perennial species are banned from sale in NSW and VIC (and possibly WA) as noxious weeds and are subject to eradication or control measures—most other cultivated varieties found in Australia are classed as "weeds of cultivation" and now grow wild in all states, having been introduced with the very first European settlers.
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07 Dec 12, val (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
where can I buy Physalis Alkekengi seeds in New Zealand? cheers Val B.
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08 Nov 12, Charles Deane (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi there, Where can I find Tomatillo seed in South Africa?
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16 Oct 12, BARRY WILLIS (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown the tomitilos before with seed bought from the USA, I can not find any one in Aussie Land that has these for sale,they make great Salsa and are nice in green salads.
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17 Oct 12, salsa verde dreamer (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Search on Ebay, you will find Aussie seeds.
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07 Sep 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm having trouble sourcing Tomatillo. Home garden. Western Australiia. Any ideas?
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