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

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

Compared with a cape gooseberry which I have, how large does a single fruit of tomatillo grow? Is it rich in vitamin C...what other food values?

- Robin Duval-Smith

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.