Growing Tomatillo

View the Tomatillo page

27 Jan 13 Andrew Charles (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
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.