Growing Tomatillo

Physalis ixocarpa : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomatillo in Australia - tropical 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 21°C and 27°C. (Show °F/in)
  • 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

Your comments and tips

28 Oct 12, Laraine (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers Seeds have 3 types of tomatillo seeds. I think they are in Victoria, but if you search with google you'll find them.
14 Oct 12, Zuzsie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, a reply for anonymous, there is a shop in Perth called chile mojo, the shipped the seeds to me here in Melbourne
26 Nov 11, Liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My tomatillos aren't setting though I have several patches with 2-3 plants growing together. Bees are around, so no problem there. What to do?
26 Aug 11, Rod Hoad (Australia - temperate climate)
Have one tomatillo weighing 140 grams,diameter 70mm. Saving the seeds.Manyothers on the bush but none this size.Ho.d
07 Jul 11, alevity (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i planted about a dozen seeds in early June, and have 6 hardy small plants, one of which has been exceeding all the others! Though small, I transplanted one of the saplings in to a pot far to large for it, but it took off as if trying to fill its big shoes. big tip, DEFINITELY give them there own pots early.
07 Feb 11, Rose (Australia - temperate climate)
Our Tomatillos have what looks like a virus causing leaf curl. There are no aphids or red spider mites on the plants. Does anyone have any knowledge of this and what I can do to avoid this in the futhre - thanks
08 Jun 11, carl (Australia - arid climate)
just worms, use insect poison
19 Jan 11, kim (Australia - arid climate)
I got mine from diggers.
05 Jan 11, Adrian (Australia - temperate climate)
My Tomatillo's [6 plants], have gone crazy. I have Cape Gooseberries near them, but have not done so well. It's my first time growing them, so will keep experimenting. That's the fun of gardening.
13 Jun 10, Andrea (Australia - tropical climate)
Where can you get seeds for things like this. The seed supply up here in Cairns seems rather limited.
Showing 91 - 100 of 101 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Tomatillo

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.