Growing Tomatillo

Physalis ixocarpa : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomatillo in Australia - sub-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

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27 Nov 16, James (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Bunnings sell the toma verde variety in Johnsons seed packets.
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30 Oct 16, Donald Ellison (Australia - temperate climate)
Where to by tomarilla seed or plants
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18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Google Eden Seeds or Green Harvest. I believe they both have them.
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23 Oct 16, ashley (Australia - temperate climate)
Just wondering how to prune a tomatillo? Is it the same as pruning a tomato or egg plant?
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21 Jan 17, Val (Australia - temperate climate)
No need to prune tomatillo plants.
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02 Jul 16, Patricia Dunsky (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Where can I buy tomatillos in New England area?
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30 Apr 16, David Bruce Claydon (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there, I live in the Upper Hunter Valley in New South Wales where temperatures can go between -2 & 40+ in summer. Would tomatillo grow in this climate & if so, which month would be best to plant.
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15 Jan 16, Connie Nel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy these plants or obtain the seeds
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15 Oct 18, Tessa (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
livingseeds.co.za has green & purple varieties
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04 Jun 17, Sue (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try The Seed Vault, www.theseedvault.co.za, they have tomatillo seed and offer more seeds per packet at a cheaper price. Different colour ones as well.
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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.
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