Green tomatillo, which are known botanically as Physalis Philadelphica, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing green tomatillo as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Green Tomatillo
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the green tomatillo seeds six to eight weeks before your last frost date. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when green tomatillo are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Green Tomatillo the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing green tomatillo in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your green tomatillo grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained, sandy loam soils. Soil PH levels should be around 5.5 to 7.3.
an inch apart in a row. 2′ apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 3′ apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about .25″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your green tomatillo seedlings 3 or 4 tomatillo seeds 2 feet apart. when the plants reach 4 to 5 inches tall.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Green Tomatillo
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your green tomatillo. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your green tomatillo should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.
How Much to Water Green Tomatillo
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your green tomatillo do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your green tomatillo begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Green Tomatillo to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your green tomatillo grow.
It takes approximately 7-10 days to germinate, and a total of 75-85 days from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Green Tomatillo
The best time to harvest your green tomatillo is when the fruits start to outgrow theirs husks and those papery husks split open.
Green tomatillo can grow up to about 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter.
What Can Green Tomatillo Be Used For?
Food Use: Adds a unique flavor to salsa.
Flavor Profile: Uniquely sweet, yet tart.
Can Green Tomatillo Grow in Pots and Containers?
Yes, you will ideally need a 18″+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.
It also gives you the flexibility to move your green tomatillo around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Are Green Tomatillo Safe for Bees?
Yes, green tomatillo are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing green tomatillo is bee-friendly.
