tomatillo
(syn. Physalis ixocarpa)
An edible member of the ‘Nightshade’ family bearing small, spherical, and green or green-purple fruit of the same name within a papery...
approx 650 seeds
£4.79
available to order from summer
1
Plant description
An edible member of the ‘Nightshade’ family bearing small, spherical, and green or green-purple fruit of the same name within a papery husk. A staple of Mexican cuisine, they are eaten raw and cooked in a variety of dishes, particularly salsa verde, sauces and chutneys where their piquant flavour is best described as ‘tart’ or ‘tangy’. The tomatillo is a branching, perennial plant but is generally grown as an annual and thrives in well-watered, warm conditions such as a summer greenhouse or sheltered veg plot.
Eventual height & spread
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Frost tender
Growing instructions:
Tomatillos are sown just like tomatoes, indoors from early spring. Grow on in a cool greenhouse, or outdoors in milder areas once all risk of frost has passed. Provide stakes or supports for the lax branches. Feed every fortnight with a balanced liquid fertiliser before switching to a high potassium liquid feed, such as Tomorite, once the first fruits have set. Harvest when the fruits start to outgrow their husks or when the fruits start to outgrow their husks or when those husks split open.
Warning
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, except ripe fruit
