Growing Tomatillo: A Simple Guide to Planting Success

Choosing the Right Variety and Timing for Growing Tomatillo

The first tomatillo I ever grew surprised me—vigorous, unusual, with husks like tiny paper lanterns sheltering sweet-tart fruits. If you're considering growing tomatillo, selecting an interesting variety is half the fun.

I favor the classic 'Toma Verde' for its zesty, citrusy flavor, or the spectacularly purple 'Purple Coban', which adds delightful color to salsa verde—though technically it's more of a salsa morada.

Plan accordingly: tomatillo plants need warm conditions. I start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, typically mid to late March here in my Virginia garden (which aligns perfectly with USDA Hardiness Zone 7b).

How to Sow and Care for Tomatillo Seedlings

Sowing tomatillo seeds follows nearly identical steps as tomato seeds. Here's my tried-and-true method:

1. Fill seed trays or small pots with quality, moist seed-starting mix.
2. Sow seeds approximately ¼ inch (6mm) deep, covering lightly with soil.
3. Position the trays under grow lights or near a sunny window, where the temperature stays consistently around 70–80°F (21–27°C).
4. Seedlings typically sprout in 7–14 days; keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.

After seedlings develop one or two pairs of true leaves, thin them out, leaving the strongest seedling per pot or cell.

Planting Tomatillo in Your Garden

When nighttime temperatures stay reliably above 50°F (10°C)—usually around late spring—I gently transplant the seedlings outdoors. Before planting, I slowly introduce them outside for about a week during daylight hours, reducing stress and shock.

• Select a sunny space that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sun daily.
• Ensure richly composted soil for healthy, productive plants—tomatillos thrive in fertile, well-drained ground.
• Bury plants deeper than they were in their seed containers, similar to tomatoes, to encourage sturdy roots.
• Space tomatillo plants about 3 feet (90cm) apart; these plants sprawl dramatically.

Tomatillos are self-incompatible: for pollination and fruiting, plant at least two plants close together.

Caring for Tomatillo Plants Throughout the Season

Keep plants lightly mulched, watered consistently (around 1–2 inches or 2.5–5cm per week), and feed them periodically with balanced organic fertilizer.

I stake or cage mine—without proper support they'll flop about wildly. Healthy tomato cages work well here.

Pests rarely bother a vigorous tomatillo, although sometimes aphids appear. Blast them off with a jet of water or invite predatory insects, like ladybugs, into your garden.

Knowing When and How to Harvest Tomatillo

Tomatillos mature around 75–100 days after transplanting. How do you know they're ready? The husks turn papery, dry, and split, revealing fruits slightly sticky to the touch.

To harvest, twist gently or snip off fruits, including husks. Store in a cool place; they'll keep several weeks refrigerated.

Tasting Your Homegrown Tomatillos

Freshly harvested tomatillos have a flavor that's tangy, sweet, and botanical. Salsa verde, enchiladas, roasted sauces, and refreshing salads—the possibilities unfold deliciously.

My personal favorite? Tossing halved tomatillos with olive oil and sea salt, roasting at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, till they're caramelized and slightly smoky. Drizzle with lime juice—absolutely phenomenal.

Few things reward gardeners more richly than growing tomatillo: unusual in the garden, delicious on the plate, and easy to love.

Growing tomatillo rewards patience with vibrant fruit and unmatched flavor. Provide ample sun, rich soil, and generous spacing—these hardy plants love to sprawl. Good airflow prevents disease, while regular watering and staking keep branches healthy and fruit off the ground. Plant tomatillos in pairs or groups for reliable pollination and abundant yields. Harvest when husks split, revealing firm, glossy fruits. From fiery salsas to roasted sauces, home-grown tomatillos offer a taste and satisfaction store-bought simply can't match.