How to grow tomatillos

Guide to Growing Tomatillos

Choose the Right Variety

Tomatillos come in several varieties, each with its own characteristics. Some popular types include:

• Purple Tomatillos: Offers a deep purple color and a slightly sweeter taste compared to the standard green variety.
• Green Tomatillos: The most common variety, with a tart flavor and green fruit inside a papery husk.
• Yellow Tomatillos: A sweeter, milder variety, perfect for those who prefer a less acidic taste.

Pick a variety based on your taste preferences or your specific growing conditions.

When to Plant

• Growing season: Tomatillos are warm-season crops that need plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures to thrive. They require a long growing season of around 90-100 days from planting to harvest.
• Planting time:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or plant tomatillo seedlings outdoors after the last frost once the soil has warmed to 60°F or higher.
  • If you’re growing from seeds, wait until soil temperatures reach at least 70°F for optimal germination.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Tomatillos need full sun (at least 8+ hours per day) to grow and produce fruit. They thrive in a warm, sunny environment.
• Space: Tomatillo plants can grow quite large, with bushy, spreading habits. Space them 3-4 feet apart in rows that are 4-5 feet apart to give them plenty of room to spread out.
• Soil: Tomatillos prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.2 to 7.0.

Soil Preparation

• Improve soil fertility: Add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting to improve fertility and drainage.
• Soil pH: Test your soil and amend it with lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH) if needed, especially if your soil is too acidic or too alkaline.
• Raised beds: If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider growing tomatillos in raised beds to ensure better drainage and healthier root development.

Planting

• Starting indoors:
  • Sow tomatillo seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
  • Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or small pots. Keep them in a warm location (around 70-80°F) to promote germination.
  • Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date and once the plants are around 6-8 inches tall. Make sure the soil is warm enough to support healthy growth.
• Direct sowing:
  • In warm climates with no frost risk, you can sow seeds directly into the soil after all danger of frost has passed.
  • Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, about 1/4 inch deep, and thin to the strongest seedling once they are established.
• Be sure to plant 2: Tomatillos need a seperate plant to cross pollinate with. Be sure to have 2 plants even if they are the same variety.

Watering

• Consistent moisture: Tomatillos need consistent moisture throughout the growing season to support healthy growth. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during fruit development.
• Deep watering: Water deeply, aiming for about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Tomatillos have deep roots and benefit from deep watering to encourage strong root systems.
• Avoid wet leaves: Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves. Wet foliage can promote the spread of diseases like early blight or powdery mildew.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and help keep the soil temperature stable.

Fertilizing

• Pre-planting fertilization: Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer.
• Mid-season feeding: Once the plants are established, you can side-dress them with a balanced fertilizer or compost to support growth. Use a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Avoid over-fertilizing: Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production, so be careful not to overdo it.

Pruning and Support

• Pruning: Tomatillos don’t require heavy pruning, but you can pinch back the top of the plants to encourage branching and improve air circulation. This can also help the plants become more bushy and productive.
• Support: As tomatillo plants grow, they may become top-heavy with fruit. Support the plants with stakes or a cage to prevent them from falling over, especially if you are growing larger varieties.
• Growing tips: If you're growing tomatillos in containers, be sure to choose a large enough container (at least 5 gallons) to accommodate the plant's root system and support its growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Common pests:
  • Tomato hornworms: These pests are large green caterpillars that can quickly defoliate your plants. Handpick them off the plants or apply diatomaceous earth to control them.
  • Aphids: These tiny insects can weaken plants by feeding on the sap. Control them with insecticidal soap or by spraying them off with water.
  • Whiteflies: These insects can cause damage by sucking plant juices. Use yellow sticky traps or neem oil to manage whiteflies.
  • Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaf damage and webbing. Control them with miticides or insecticidal soap.
• Common diseases:
  • Early blight: Prevent early blight by spacing plants adequately for airflow, avoiding overhead watering, and rotating crops annually.
  • Powdery mildew: Keep the leaves dry by watering at the base and ensuring good air circulation around the plants. If necessary, apply a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew.
  • Leaf spot diseases: Remove any affected leaves and avoid crowding plants to minimize the spread of disease.

Harvesting

• When to harvest: Tomatillos are typically ready to harvest 70-100 days after transplanting. They are harvested when they fill out their papery husk and turn from green to their mature color (green, purple, or yellow, depending on the variety).
  • Husk: The papery husk should be fully expanded, and the fruit inside should be firm.
  • Firmness: Gently squeeze the fruit; it should feel firm, not soft. It will continue to ripen off the plant, so it's okay if the fruit is still slightly under-ripe when harvested.
• How to harvest:
  • Simply pluck the tomatillos from the plant. They may sometimes fall to the ground when fully ripe.
  • Leave the husk on while harvesting to protect the fruit.
  • If you are harvesting them to use fresh, you can remove the husk before use.

Storage

• Fresh storage: Fresh tomatillos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks in their husks.
• Freezing: Tomatillos freeze well for later use. To freeze:
  1. Remove the husk and wash the tomatillos.
  2. Blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Drain and pack the tomatillos in freezer bags or containers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• Canning: Tomatillos can also be canned to preserve them for long-term storage. Use them for salsas, sauces, or other preserved dishes.

Tips for Success

• Tomatillo plants are self-pollinating, but planting at least two plants close together will improve pollination and fruit set.
• Protect from frost: Tomatillos are sensitive to frost, so make sure to harvest them before the first fall frost or cover the plants with row covers if you expect a light frost.
• Companion planting: Tomatillos grow well with basil, beans, corn, and marigolds, which help deter pests like aphids and hornworms.

Conclusion

Tomatillos are relatively easy to grow and are a rewarding addition to your garden, providing you with a steady supply of fresh, tangy fruit. With the right conditions, you can enjoy tomatillos in salsas, sauces, and more. Follow these tips for a bountiful harvest and enjoy the unique flavor of homegrown tomatillos! 🍏🪴

Happy gardening!