(Physalis ixocarpa 'Green')
Green Tomatillo is a heirloom, tender, warm weather perennial vegetable that is native to Mexico, but can be found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 48-60” and features small, spherical and green or green-purple fruit, averaging 1/2 to 1 1/2". This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates drought, and is edible!
Genus: Physalis
Species: ixocarpa
Variety: Green Tomatillo
Native to: Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest.
Introduced into: Botswana, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, India, New Mexico, New South Wales, Norfolk Is., Portugal, Primorye, Queensland, Spain, Uzbekistan, West Siberia, Zambia, Zaïre, Zimbabwe.
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual Zones: 4-7/Perennial Zones: 8-11
Days to Maturity: 90-110 (Spring/Summer)
Hardiness: Tender. Tomatillos are sub-tropical and need plenty of fun and a warm sheltered spot.
Crops: Spring Transplant
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot. Grow tomatillos like you would tomatoes, though they do not require staking and are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 65°F - 90°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). These plants prefer full sun.
Water: Moderate. Tomatillos are quite drought tolerant, but for best fruit production they should be watered regularly.
Feeder: Light. Generally, Tomatillos are independent plants and don't need a lot of attention. Give them a feed of compost tea or liquid Kelp when the flowers first appear.
Suitability: Drought tolerant, High heat, Needs lots of space.
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. Tomatillos are well suited to container growing, and will do quite well if you make sure to give them plenty of sun and a steady supply of water. Plant them in pot at least 12” deep and 8 to 12” in diameter.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No.
Maintenance: Low
Plant Height: 48-60"
Plant Diameter: 24-36"
Spacing: 24-36"
Produces: small, spherical and green or green-purple fruit, averaging 1/2 to 1 1/2".
Zones: 4-11
Soil pH: 6.0-6.8, Ideal 6.3-6.5. The ideal soil is a well-drained, moisture retentive loam, with lots of organic matter.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2", in top 10" of soil, 1 time: It is important to add organic matter to the soil, as well as to supply nutrients to the plants.
Start Indoors
Soil temp for germination: 60°F to 75°F, optimal 65°F to 70°F, optimal 69°F
Total weeks to grow transplant: 12 to 15 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Harden Off: 1 weeks after last frost date. Before transplanting outside you must harden off the seedlings, so they become accustomed to somewhat less than ideal conditions.
Transplant Outdoors
Warm, Hot: Grow tomatillos like you would tomatoes, though they do not require staking and are more resistant to pests and diseases.
When outdoor temp: 65°F to 90°F, optimal temp 70°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 60°F.
Spacing: 24.0"-36.0", (1 per 3'x3') plants per sq ft. Tomatillo plants can get quite big, so space them 24 to 36" apart each way to give them room to spread out.
Support: Yes. Use a tomato cage to support these tall bushes, which can get 3-4' tall!
Water Needs: Moderate. Tomatillos are quite drought tolerant, but for best fruit production they should be watered regularly.
Fertilizer Needs: Light. Generally, Tomatillos are independent plants and don't need a lot of attention. Give them a feed of compost tea or liquid Kelp when the flowers first appear.
Protecting, while danger of early frost: Row covers, 1 layers, while danger of early frost, 1 time. Put a cover over plants while danger of frost is present This is important, as an early frost in fall will usually kill unprotected tomato plants. If you can help your plants make it through these first frosts there may not be another one for several weeks, during which time you can get a lot more ripe fruit. Almost anything can help them to survive a mild frost, old bed sheets, straw mulch, plastic sheet, cardboard.
Side Dressing, at flowering: Mulch, 2 inches, at flowering, 1 time. A 2" mulch of straw is useful to keep down weeds, conserve moisture and keep the fruit clean. It can also reduce disease problems by keeping soil off of the foliage. Don’t put down an organic mulch until the soil is warm (when plants start to flower), as it could insulate the soil and keep it cool.
Side Dressing, at early fruit set: Compost tea, 1 cups, at early fruit set, 1 time. Give each plant a cup of diluted compost tea or liquid kelp (use as directed) after the first fruits are set.
Watering, before fruit set: Water, 1 gallons per plant, before fruit set, 2 times a week. Tomatillo is quite drought tolerant but for best fruit production they should be watered regularly.
Watering, during fruit production: Water, 1 gallon(s) per plant, during fruit production, 3 times a week
Support: Yes. Use a tomato cage to support these tall bushes, which can get 3-4' tall!
Harvesting
Harvest individual fruits when the husk begins to split or the fruit fills out the husk.
Storage
If the jars have become unsealed or there are signs of spoilage (bulging lids, bubbling, or odor) do NOT taste and throw away immediately in a place not accessible by humans or animals.
Storage Req: Canning, Cool
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 0-360 days
Store Tomatillos like you do Tomatoes, on the counter for a couple of weeks.
Storage Req:
Storage Temp: 55-65°F
Storage Length: 0-14 days
Seed Viability in Years: 4 - 7 years
Germination Percentage: 75%
They are the main ingredient in salsa verde and other Mexican dishes.
Culinary Use:
The Tomatillo is important in Mexican cooking, for its use in salsa verde and other dishes. It is not usually eaten out of hand.
Fruit: raw or cooked. The fruit is a berry that is 2.5 cm or more in diameter. When not fully ripe, the fruit can be cooked and used in curries, sauces, soups, stews etc. A delicious flavoring when used like a tomato and added to soups, stews etc. The fully ripe fruit is sweeter and can be eaten out of hand, added to salads or used in pies, preserves etc. The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own "paper bag" (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements. This calyx is toxic and should not be eaten. The fruit can be stored for up to a year if picked before they are fully ripe and left inside their calyx.
Known Hazards: All parts of the plant, except the fruit, are poisonous.
Companion Planting
Problems
Flea Beetles
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Tomato Hornworm
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Colorado Potato Beetles
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Spined Soldier Bugs: Prey on larvae of Mexican bean beetle, European corn borer, diamondback moth, corn earworm, beet armyworm, fall armyworm, cabbage looper, imported cabbageworm, Colorado potato beetle, velvetbean caterpillar, and flea beetles
To attract Spined Soldier Bugs to your garden try growing: Alfalfa, Apples, Asparagus, Beans, Celery, Cotton, Crucifers, Cucurbits, Onions, Potatoes, Soybeans, Sweet Corn and Tomatoes.
Parasitic Wasps: There are several species of parasitoid wasps that parasitize aphids specifically. Parasitic wasps that specialize on aphids are very small (~1/8 inch long) and female wasps have a modified stinger for depositing eggs. The egg is injected into an aphid where the larva develops inside. Parasitized aphids are a light tan to gold color and have a bulbous look. A circular cut out on the rearend of the aphid indicates adult wasp emergence. Parasitic wasps are commercially available but there are abundant populations in the environment.
Hornets, Paper Wasps, Yellow Jackets: Although hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets are often considered a nuisance, they are predators of soft-bodied insects. They do not typically sting humans unless they are disturbed. If their nests are not in an area likely to be disturbed by people then it is not a bad idea to leave them alone.
Cutworms
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Tachinid Flies: Prey on Cabbageworms, Gypsy Moths, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetle, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: carrots, coriander, and buckwheat.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Nutrition
The Health Benefits of Tomatillo
Prevent Cancer: Tomatillos contain unique antioxidant phytochemicals called withanolides , which have been directly linked to anti-cancer and antibacterial functions. Antioxidants help to combat the effects of free radicals, which are the dangerous byproducts of cellular reproduction that can kill or mutate healthy cells and turn them into cancerous cells. Furthermore, the vitamin A, vitamin C, and flavonoids within tomatillos provide other cancer-protective effects, particularly in terms of lung and oral cancers.
Boost Immune System: The vitamin C found in tomatillos can help to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells, the body’s primary line of defense against foreign agents and pathogens. Vitamin C is also a key component of collagen production, which supports the health and creation of skin tissue, as well as the cells and tissues that make up our organs and blood vessels, increasing the body’s sustainability and metabolic functions.
Improve Vision: Vitamin A has long been connected to the health of our vision. Tomatillos also contain beta-carotene, a derivative of vitamin A, that functions as an antioxidant and prevents macular degeneration, cataracts, and other conditions that can affect the health of our eyes.
Help in Weight Loss: Tomatillos are one of those preferred vegetables for people who are trying to lose weight. High-nutrient, low-calorie, and low-fat vegetables with high fiber content, like tomatillos, help people to feel full, acquire the necessary nutrients on a daily basis, and reduce the chances of overeating, because they feel satiated. They are ideal if you are trying to reduce obesity for a healthier lifestyle.
Boost Energy Levels: Niacin is a member of the B-family of vitamins that are often overlooked in human health. Niacin is a key element in the enzymatic processes that break down food and complex molecules into usable energy for the body. by increasing the availability of this energy and making the process more efficient, the niacin found in tomatillos can give you a sustainable boost of energy throughout your day.
A Final Word of Caution: Nightshade vegetables tend to have high levels of alkaloids, which can exacerbate inflammation of the joints if you already have certain problems with arthritis or inflammation. However, tomatillos possess relatively low amounts of alkaloids. That being said, consult your doctor before adding tomatillos to your diet if you suffer from these types of health conditions.
Suggested Varieties
(Amaranthus caudatus 'Love, Lies, Bleeding')
Love, Lies, Bleeding Amaranth is a heirloom annual leaf vegetable that is native to South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and features erect, deep red stems, 6” oval, light green leaves and 12” bright red, drooping tassels. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is used to make dye, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Amaranthus tricolor 'Perfecta')
Perfecta Amaranth is a heirloom upright, busy annual leaf vegetable that is native to India and tropical Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and feature s erect stems, 10” oval-shaped, green to purple leaves that have yellow and red blotches, and 1” green to red flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is edible, and its foliage is a addition to cut flowers!
(Amaranthus cruentus 'Red Garnet')
Red garnet Amaranth is a heirloom, warm weather annual leaf vegetable that is native to Mexico and South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-7' and features erect stems, oval-shaped, burgundy red leaves, and large dark red flower spikes. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, tolerates drought, and it's edible!
(Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington')
Mary Washington Asparagus is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather perennial vegetable that is native to California, where it was developed by the University of California-Davis in 1949. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 4-5' and features stout stems, feathery foliage, greenish-white to yellow bell-shaped flowers, 8" asparagus spears, and even red berries. This plant can be grown in a container, is resistant to rabbits, has nematocidal properties, is both edible and medicinal, can be used as a coffee substitute, and tolerates drought and frost!
(Melissa officinalis ‘Lemon Balm’)
Lemon Balm is perennial herb that is native to the Southern Europe but can be commonly found growing throughout the northwestern, south central, and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2' and features 3” oval, medium green, wrinkled, lemon scented leaves, and tiny white flowers that have two lips. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, butterflies, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies, repels ants and flies, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make essential oils and potpourri, self sows, and is also both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Black Turtle')
Black Turtle Bean is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico and Central America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, green 5-6” bean pods that turn yellow when mature, and tiny purple flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake #274')
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(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender')
Contender Bush Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to South Carolina where it was developed by the Southeastern Vegetable Breeding Laboratory in Charleston and introduced in 1961. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-7” green snap bean pods, and tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Gold Rush Yellow Wax')
Gold Rush Yellow Wax Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California where it was developed and introduced in 1977 by Asgrow Seed Company. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-6” long yellow wax bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder')
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Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California where it was introduced in 1940 by Ferry-Morse Seed Co. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 72-96” and features long vines, green spade-shaped leaves, 7-10” green snap bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Lazy Housewife')
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Pinto')
Pinto Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New Mexico where it was developed by Manrique Gonzalez between 1913-19. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 3-4” flat green bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!