The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Physalis ixocarpa. This ancient vegetable has small sized, plump, firm fruits with a paper-like cellulose husk covering which resembles small green lanterns that hang downward on bushy annual plants. Also called “husk tomato”, this species originally came from Central and South America and was cultivated by the Aztecs before the conquistadors took it back to Spain. The interior is dense and highly seeded and bursts with a distinctive, tart, lemony flavor. Indeterminate, sprawling plants grow 3-4 feet tall and wide.[1]
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
Planting Season
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | Annual in USDA hardiness zones 4-12, perennial in zones 10-11 | sandy, well-drained loam, pH between 6.0-7.0 | Regularly |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Plant Size | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3' | 3-4' tall and wide | 60-90 from transplant |
- Additional instructions: Tomatillos are highly self-incompatible so grow 2 or more plants to get any fruit. If you’re saving seeds, don't worry: the tomatillo will not cross-pollinate with your tomato plants. Make sure to stake or cage growing tomatillos like you would tomato plants. Providing support encourages upright growth, so disease doesn’t get picked up by sprawled vines. With support, you can also avoid crowding out nearby plants and keep your garden looking tidy.[1] [2]
- Harvesting instructions: Pick when firm and bright green and walnut-sized. Remove papery husk and rinse off sticky residue. Pick continuously as plants will continue to produce fruit until frost. Fully ripened tomatillos are yellow and usually have lost the desired citrusy flavor.[1]
Common Diseases and Pests
- Pests: Root Knot Nematode, slugs, spider mites, aphids, cutworms, flea beetles
- Disease: Black spot, anthracnose, fusarium wilt
Useful Resources
- https://bbbseed.com/product/tomatillo-verde-org/ (seed company)
- https://morningchores.com/growing-tomatillos/
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.