Growing Tomatillo

Physalis ixocarpa : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomatillo in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

15 Jan 16, Connie Nel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy these plants or obtain the seeds
20 Jan 16, Lorraine (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
You can buy the tomatillo seeds online from www.seedsforafrica.co.za
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.
15 Oct 18, Tessa (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
livingseeds.co.za has green & purple varieties
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.
02 Jul 16, Patricia Dunsky (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Where can I buy tomatillos in New England area?
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?
21 Jan 17, Val (Australia - temperate climate)
No need to prune tomatillo plants.
30 Oct 16, Donald Ellison (Australia - temperate climate)
Where to by tomarilla seed or plants
18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Google Eden Seeds or Green Harvest. I believe they both have them.
Showing 41 - 50 of 100 comments

Tomatillo, Cape gooseberry, husk tomato and ground cherry are different names used somewhat interchangeably for different plants in the Physalis genus of the nightshade family. Green Harvest in Qld sells three varieties of tomatillo seeds and the sweet Cape Gooseberry (greenharvest.com.au/SeedOrganic/VegetableSeeds/TomatilloToTurnip.html). Unfortunately Green Harvest's Physalis seeds can't be shipped to WA, and only the tomatillo varieties can be shipped to NSW. Chile Mojo is in SA, and can't ship tomatillo seeds to WA, neither can Diggers (although they will ship cape gooseberry seeds to NSW and also have another type of ground cherry). TAS and NT may also have quarantine restrictions for some species of Physalis from other states. Two different perennial species are banned from sale in NSW and VIC (and possibly WA) as noxious weeds and are subject to eradication or control measures—most other cultivated varieties found in Australia are classed as "weeds of cultivation" and now grow wild in all states, having been introduced with the very first European settlers.

- Andrew Charles

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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. GardenGrow 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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