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

16 Nov 19, Jennifer S (Australia - temperate climate)
I found tomatillo seeds online, The Seed Collection. I am just about to plant out my seedlings, along with a few heirloom tomato varieties today. Its the first time I have tried to grow these in Canberra, so fingers crossed!
09 Feb 18, Michael Williams (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
New Gippsland Seeds in Silvan (near Lilydale) sell them Juanito. www.newgipps.com.au/product.asp?prodId=1964 I suggest you go there and look at what else they have. I was very impressed. I have no affiliation with them, incidentally, just loved their enthusiasm and range of stock.
08 Oct 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
The Seed Collection sells seeds online, and they are based in Victoria.
30 Sep 17, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Western Victoria, and would like to try some Tomatillo. Can you advise where to buy seed or seedlings in Hamilton or Mt Gambier (nearest main centres). I do grow Cape Gooseberries which grow extremely well here, despite frosts in winter months but have never tried ixocarpa.
02 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try "Australian Seeds" website. 30 seeds $3.60 + postage. Or look for Cape Gooseberries - very similar. Look around the internet to find sellers and best price.
30 Sep 17, Lawry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I get my seeds fro fairdinkum seeds. They are a farth north qld family who sell all sorts of fascinating seeds by mail order. Fairdinkumseeds.com.au or on Facebook.
09 Sep 17, Mara (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I live in Adelaide. Appart from Bunnings do you know any other contact where I could get seeds or plant to start growing it myself? I'm mexican and tomatillo is like the 'heart' of mexican dishes so can't wait to grow it! :)
23 Sep 17, Suzy (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Mara. I grew a bumper crop of tomatillo last summer and saved thousands of seeds. I'm happy to share or swap. This month I've put in a tomatillo hedge of 11 plants; I'm hoping people will pass by, curious, pick a few and start conversations.
12 Nov 23, Sair (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Suzy, would there be a chance of a few seeds please, if you aren't too far away . Sair
20 Sep 17, jack niemann (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
online greenpatch seeds https://greenpatchseeds.com.au/snowpea-to-tomatillo-seed.html
Showing 31 - 40 of 101 comments

Hi there, from what you are explaining there it sounds like the fruit that they called tomatillo, it is a relative to the tomatoes, they are used in the making of the green Mexican style salsa type of topping sauce.

- Rory Derrick

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