Tomatillo
Physalis philadelphica
Tomatillos are sprawling, tomato-like plants whose tart green fruit grows inside a papery husk. They are essential for salsa verde and grow easily in warm weather.
Photo: Molekuel (Wikimedia Commons) · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Watering
Moderate
Water regularly; established plants tolerate short dry spells.
Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0.
Temperature and humidity
10–35 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed
Stake or cage plants to keep fruit off the ground.
Ripe fruit is safe to eat cooked or raw. Leaves, stems and husks should not be eaten, and the plant is harmful to pets.
Top Cultivation Tips
Plant at least two; they need cross-pollination.
Harvest when fruit fills the husk.
Remove husks and rinse off the sticky coating.
Plant after the last frost.
Common problems
Aphids
Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new shoots and buds, sucking sap and leaving sticky honeydew behind.
How to treat it →DiseaseEarly blight
A fungal disease of tomatoes and potatoes that causes brown spots with target-like rings on the lower leaves.
How to treat it →DiseaseTomato mosaic virus
A very stable virus that causes mottled light and dark green leaves, distorted growth and poor fruit on tomatoes, peppers and relatives.
How to treat it →PestTomato psyllid
A tiny jumping sap-sucker that causes yellow, purple-tinged, upward-curling leaves on tomatoes, peppers and potatoes and can spread a bacterial disease.
How to treat it →PestWhiteflies
Small white flying insects that gather under leaves, sucking sap, spreading viruses and leaving sticky honeydew.
How to treat it →
