If you love the tangy flavor of salsa verde, learning how to plant tomatillos is your next garden project. This easy step-by-step guide will walk you through everything from seed to harvest, ensuring you get a bountiful crop of those delicious, paper-husked fruits.
Tomatillos are related to tomatoes but are often easier to grow. They’re resilient, productive, and a staple in many cuisines. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy homegrown tomatillos all season long.
How to Plant Tomatillos – Easy Step-by-Step Guide
This main section covers the core process. Following these steps in order will set you up for success.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you begin, gather your supplies. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Tomatillo seeds or starter plants
- Seed starting trays and pots (if starting from seed)
- High-quality potting mix
- A sunny garden spot or large containers (at least 5 gallons)
- Garden compost or well-rotted manure
- Stakes or tomato cages for support
- Watering can or hose
Step 1: Timing is Everything
Tomatillos need warm soil and no frost. They have a long growing season, so timing your planting is crucial.
- Start Indoors: Begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Plant them ¼ inch deep in moist potting mix.
- Transplant Outdoors: Move plants outside only after all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
- Direct Sowing: In very warm climates, you can sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil is warm.
Step 2: Choosing and Preparing the Perfect Spot
Tomatillos thrive in full sun and rich soil. They are vigorous growers and need space to expand.
- Sunlight: Choose a location that gets a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Work in several inches of compost into the planting area. The soil should be well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Spacing: Plants can grow over 3 feet wide and tall. Space them at least 3 feet apart to ensure good air circulation.
- A Crucial Tip: You must plant at least two tomatillo plants. They are not self-pollinating and need a partner to produce fruit.
Step 3: Planting Your Tomatillos
Now, it’s time to put your plants in the ground. Proper planting reduces transplant shock and encourages strong roots.
- Water your seedlings thoroughly in their pots an hour before transplanting.
- Dig a hole slightly deeper and wider than the root ball of your seedling.
- Gently remove the plant and place it in the hole. You can bury the stem deeper than it was in the pot, as tomatillos can develop roots along buried stems.
- Backfill the hole with soil and pat it down gently to remove air pockets.
- Water deeply at the base of the plant to settle the soil.
- Immediately install a stake or tomato cage. It’s much easier to do this now than when the plant is large and sprawling.
Step 4: Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent care after planting leads to a healthy, high-yielding plant. Tomatillos are relatively low-maintenance once established.
Watering and Mulching
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Inconsistent watering can lead to problems like blossom end rot.
- Water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on weather. Aim for the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves) around the plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperature even.
Feeding Your Plants
Tomatillos are moderate feeders. A little nutrition goes a long way.
- At planting, you can mix a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer into the soil.
- Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer when the first fruits begin to form.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit.
Pruning and Support
While not strictly necessary, pruning helps manage the plant’s size and improves air flow.
- Secure the main stems to your stake or cage as they grow using soft plant ties.
- You can prune the lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent disease.
- Pinching off some of the lower “sucker” stems can help direct energy to fruit production, but leave enough for good pollination.
Step 5: Pest and Disease Watch
Tomatillos are fairly pest-resistant, but it’s good to be vigilant. Their main issues are similar to tomatoes.
- Aphids: Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Tomato Hornworms: Hand-pick these large caterpillars off the plants.
- Fungal Diseases: Ensure good spacing and water at the base to prevent issues like powdery mildew. Rotate your crops each year.
Step 6: Harvesting and Storing Your Bounty
Knowing when and how to harvest ensures the best flavor. The fruit tells you when it’s ready.
- The tomatillo is ready when it fills out its papery husk, sometimes splitting it open.
- The fruit inside will be firm and often a vibrant green, purple, or yellow, depending on the variety.
- Simply twist and pull the fruit from the stem. The husk is easily removed later.
- Store unhusked tomatillos in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. They can also be frozen after being blanched and husked.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you run into issues, here are some likely causes and solutions.
- Flowers but No Fruit: This is almost always due to having only one plant. You need at least two for cross-pollination. Also, extreme heat can sometimes hinder fruit set.
- Small Fruit: Usually caused by underwatering, poor soil nutrition, or overcrowding.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could be overwatering, a nutrient deficiency, or the natural aging of lower leaves.
FAQ: Your Tomatillo Questions Answered
Can I grow tomatillos in a pot?
Absolutely. Use a large container (at least 5 gallons) with excellent drainage. You’ll still need to plant at least two for fruit production, so consider two pots or one very large one.
How long does it take for tomatillos to grow?
From transplant, most varieties take between 70 to 100 days to produce mature fruit. Starting from seed adds 6-8 weeks to that timeline.
What’s the difference between tomatillos and green tomatoes?
They are completely different plants. Tomatillos grow inside a papery husk and have a unique tart, citrusy flavor. Green tomatoes are simply unripe tomatoes with a more acidic, less sweet taste.
Why are my tomatillos not getting big?
Check your watering consistency and soil fertility. Also, ensure your plants are not competing for resources—proper spacing is key for large fruit development.
Can you save seeds from tomatillos?
Yes. Choose a ripe, healthy fruit, squeeze the seeds and pulp into a jar, add water, and let ferment for a few days. Viable seeds will sink. Rinse and dry them thoroughly before storing.
Planting tomatillos is a rewarding experience that adds a unique and productive element to your garden. By following this straightforward guide, you’ll be well on your way to a successful harvest. Remember the golden rule: always plant two or more plants to ensure those beautiful, husked fruits develop. With some sun, water, and basic care, you’ll have more tomatillos than you know what to do with, perfect for salsas, sauces, and countless other dishes.