If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you’ve probably had a tomatillo or two. These small green fruits are essential in dishes like salsa verde, chilaquiles, and pozole. But if you’re tired of buying them from the grocery store and would love to try growing them in your garden, then you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the tomatillo, how to grow, from soil type through to harvest. I will even include a Salsa Verde Recipe!
Tomatillos thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 11. This means they can handle a wide range of climates, from the cooler temperatures found in the northern states, to the heat of the southern regions. If you’re unsure of your zone, the USDA has an online tool that can help you find out. It’s important to note that tomatillos are warm-season plants. They need a long, frost-free season to produce fruit, so make sure to plant them after the last expected frost.
How to Prepare the Soil for Planting your Tomatillos
To prepare the soil for tomatillo planting, start by selecting a sunny location. Tomatillos enjoy plenty of sun, requiring at least six hours of sunlight a day. The soil should be well-draining as tomatillos do not perform well in waterlogged conditions. Incorporate generous amounts of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its fertility and texture. This is crucial as tomatillos are heavy feeders and require nutrient-rich soil to produce a good yield. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is on the acidic side, you can raise the pH by adding lime; if it’s too alkaline, you can lower the pH with sulfur. It’s advisable to carry out a soil test before planting to confirm the soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Once the soil is prepared, you’re ready to proceed with planting your tomatillo seeds or seedlings.
How to Plant a Tomatillos
Planting tomatillos from nursery starts is relatively straightforward. First, choose healthy plants with no signs of disease or pests. Each tomatillo plant needs about 3 feet of space to grow, so bear this in mind when planning your garden. To plant:
- Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or stones and adding compost or well-rotted manure to enrich it. This step will ensure your tomatillo plants have the nutrients they need to grow.
- Dig a hole that’s big enough for the root ball of your tomatillo plant. The hole should be the same depth as the pot the plant is in and twice as wide.
- Carefully remove the tomatillo plant from its pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Place the plant in the hole.
- Fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant.
- Water the plant thoroughly.
Remember, tomatillos are self-incompatible, which means you’ll need to plant at least two tomatillo plants for cross-pollination to occur, so they can produce fruit.
How to Grow Tomatillo From Seed
Growing tomatillos from seed is a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to witness the entire lifecycle of this unique plant. Here’s how:
- Start by choosing high-quality tomatillo seeds from a reliable source. There are several different varieties, so pick one that suits your climate and taste preferences.
- About 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, begin sowing your tomatillo seeds indoors. Fill small pots or seed trays with a seed-starting mix and plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
- Place the pots in a warm location, ideally between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. A plastic cover or bag can help retain moisture until germination occurs, typically in 7-14 days.
- Once the danger of frost has passed and your seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors. Just like with nursery starts, be sure to give each plant about 3 feet of space and enrich the soil with compost or manure.
Remember the key aspect of tomatillo planting: these plants need a partner to cross-pollinate and bear fruit, so always plant at least two.
How Tall Do Tomatillos Grow
Tomatillo plants can reach impressive heights for a garden vegetable, typically growing between 3 to 4 feet tall. However, in ideal conditions with ample sunlight, well-drained nutrient-rich soil, and enough space, some tomatillo plants can even grow taller, reaching heights of up to 5 feet. The plants generally have a sprawling habit, growing wider as they mature, so it’s essential to allow sufficient space for them to spread out. Supporting them with stakes or cages can be helpful to manage their growth and prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit.
How Many Tomatillos per Plant
The yield of a tomatillo plant can vary depending on the care it receives and the conditions in which it grows. On average, a healthy tomatillo plant can produce between 1 to 2 pounds of fruit per season. This translates into about 50 to 200 tomatillos per plant for a growing season. Remember, these numbers can fluctuate based on factors such as the plant’s overall health, the richness of the soil, sufficient watering, and the amount of sunlight it receives. The key to a fruitful harvest lies in providing optimal growing conditions and regular care.
How to Harvest Tomatillos
Harvesting tomatillos is a simple and satisfying process:
- Begin harvesting when the husk surrounding the fruit becomes papery and begins to split. At this stage, the tomatillo inside should be firm and brightly colored, usually green, yellow, or purple depending on the variety.
- To harvest, gently twist and pull the fruit from the stem. Be sure not to pull too hard as this can damage the plant.
- After harvesting, remove the husk and rinse the sticky resin off the fruit before use.
Remember, tomatillos can be harvested green or left on the plant to fully ripen. Green tomatillos are slightly more acidic, while fully ripe tomatillos are sweeter and more flavorful. It’s best to harvest them according to your taste preference and the requirements of the recipes you plan to use them in.
Fertilizing your Tomatillo Plants
Tomatillos are heavy feeders, so it’s important to fertilize them regularly. Start by incorporating plenty of compost into the soil before planting. After that, you can use a balanced fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks. You can also give them a boost with a side dressing of organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or worm castings. Just be sure not to overfertilize them, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Tomatillos How to Grow in Grow Bags or Containers
Tomatillos can be successfully grown in containers, including grow bags and pots. This method is especially useful for gardeners who have limited garden space or live in apartments. Here’s how you can start:
- Choose the right container: A single tomatillo plant requires a pot that is at least 18-24 inches in diameter and depth. This allows for enough room for root development. Grow bags of similar size can also be used, and they have the added advantage of promoting better root aeration.
- Prepare the pot: Fill your container with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix, preferably enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for its growth.
- Planting: Plant the tomatillo plant as you would in the ground, deeply enough to cover the root ball, and gently firm the soil around the stem. If you’re planting from seed, plant the seed roughly 1/4 inch deep and follow the same guidelines as above for indoor seed starting.
- Watering: Container plants typically require more frequent watering than those in the ground. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. You can also add a layer of compost on top of the soil once a month to provide additional nutrients.
- Positioning: Place the container in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Tomatillos thrive in full sun.
Remember to plant at least two tomatillos for cross-pollination. If you’re limited on space, they can be planted in separate containers placed near each other. As with tomatillos grown in the ground, container-grown tomatillos can benefit from some support structure to manage their sprawling growth.
Salsa Verde Recipe
Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for Salsa Verde using homegrown tomatillos:
- 1 pound of tomatillos
- 1 white onion, quartered
- 3-4 serrano or jalapeno peppers
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Start by removing the husks from your tomatillos and rinse them to remove the sticky resin. Then, roast the tomatillos, onion, and peppers on a baking sheet under the broiler until they’re charred. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Once cooled, transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Blend until your desired consistency is reached. Some people prefer a chunky salsa, while others like it smoother.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if necessary.
- Transfer the salsa to a bowl and let it sit for a few hours for the flavors to meld together. You can then enjoy your homemade Salsa Verde with chips, tacos, or any of your favorite dishes!
Remember, the heat of the salsa can be adjusted based on the type and quantity of peppers you use. If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds and veins from the peppers before blending. Enjoy your garden-fresh Salsa Verde!
Happy Gardening!
Growing tomatillos can be a fun and rewarding experience for any gardener, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner. By following the tips in this ultimate guide, you should have no problem growing healthy tomatillo plants that produce plenty of delicious fruit. With the right soil, water, light, and fertilizer, you’ll be enjoying your homemade salsa verde in no time!
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Saving, Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!