If you’re new to growing them, you might wonder what do tomatillo plants look like. They have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from their tomato cousins right from the start. Knowing their unique visual characteristics is key to identifying them in your garden, caring for them properly, and ensuring a great harvest. This guide will walk you through every stage of their growth so you can confidently recognize these productive plants.
Tomatillo plants (Physalis philadelphica) are part of the nightshade family, related to tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. While they share some family traits, their look is quite special. They are typically fast-growing and can become quite large, often needing support as they mature.
What Do Tomatillo Plants Look Like
A mature tomatillo plant is a sprawling, bushy creature. It’s helpful to break down its appearance by its different parts: the overall structure, leaves, flowers, and of course, the famous fruit and husk.
Overall Plant Shape and Size:
Tomatillos are indeterminate plants, meaning they keep growing and producing until frost. They can get very big.
* They often reach 3 to 4 feet tall and can spread just as wide if not staked.
* Without support, they tend to sprawl along the ground like a bush.
* The stems start out green and slightly fuzzy but become more woody and rigid as the plant ages.
The Leaves:
The leaves are one of the easiest ways to spot a tomatillo.
* They are bright green, broad, and have a slightly velvety or fuzzy texture.
* The edges are gently serrated, not sharply toothed.
* Their shape is generally oval or heart-shaped with a pointed tip.
* They emit a mild, almost sticky aroma when brushed against, which is different from the strong scent of tomato leaves.
Spotting the Flowers
Before the fruit arrives, the plant produces distinctive flowers. These are a clear identifying feature.
* Tomatillo flowers are bell-shaped and droop downwards from the stems.
* They are a bright, cheerful yellow color, often with five dark purple or brown spots in the throat of the flower.
* Unlike tomato flowers, which are usually just yellow, these dark spots are a dead giveaway.
* They are self-incompatible, meaning you need at least two plants for pollination and fruit set.
The Unique Fruit and Husk
This is the most iconic part of the plant. The fruit develops inside a papery covering called a husk or calyx.
* The husk starts green and fleshy but quickly turns to a dry, papery, tan-brown shell as the fruit grows.
* It looks like a little Chinese lantern hanging from the branch.
* Inside, the fruit is firm and green (or purple, depending on variety), resembling a small, unripe tomato.
* The fruit fills the husk as it matures; when it’s ripe, it will often split the husk open at the bottom.
Growth Stages: From Seedling to Harvest
Knowing what the plant looks like at each stage helps you track its health and progress.
Stage 1: Seedlings and Young Plants
When they first emerge, tomatillo seedlings can be confused with tomato or pepper seedlings. Look closely.
* The first leaves (cotyledons) are small and oval.
* The first true leaves will show the characteristic broad, fuzzy shape.
* The stem is green and tender, often with fine hairs.
* At this stage, they are compact and upright.
Stage 2: Vegetative Growth
This is when the plant puts on most of its size and leaf mass.
* The plant becomes bushier, sending out many branches.
* Leaves increase in size and number, creating a dense canopy.
* You may need to stake or cage the plant now to keep it managable.
* The stems begin to thicken but remain primarily green.
Stage 3: Flowering and Fruiting
The plant’s energy shifts to making flowers and fruit.
* Yellow, spotted flowers appear at the joints between stems and branches.
* After pollination, the base of the flower swells and the husk begins to form, enveloping the tiny fruit.
* The plant continues to grow new branches and flowers while existing fruit matures.
* You’ll see a mix of flowers, small husks, and large, full husks all at once.
How to Tell Tomatillos Apart from Similar Plants
It’s easy to mix them up, especially when young. Here’s a quick comparison.
Tomatillo vs. Tomato Plants:
* Leaves: Tomatillo leaves are broader, smoother-edged, and fuzzier. Tomato leaves are more sharply serrated and have a stronger scent.
* Flowers: Tomatillo flowers are yellow with dark centers and hang down. Tomato flowers are usually solid yellow and face outward.
* Fruit: The papery husk is the instant identifier. Tomatoes have no husk.
Tomatillo vs. Ground Cherry Plants:
Ground cherries are a close relative and look very similar.
* Plant Size: Ground cherry plants are usually much smaller and more compact, often under 2 feet tall.
* Fruit Size: Ground cherry fruit is smaller, about marble-sized, and often falls to the ground when ripe.
* Husk: The husk is similar, but the overall plant habit is less vigorous.
Common Issues That Change a Plant’s Appearance
Sometimes, your plant might not look its best. Here’s what to watch for.
Pests:
* Aphids: These small green or black insects cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves, causing curling or yellowing.
* Flea Beetles: They create a “shot-hole” pattern of tiny holes in the leaves.
* Hornworms: Large green caterpillars that can strip leaves quickly; look for their dark droppings.
Diseases:
* Early Blight: Causes dark spots with concentric rings on lower leaves first.
* Powdery Mildew: Appears as white, powdery spots on leaves, often in humid conditions.
* Wilts: Plants may wilt dramatically during the day if suffering from fungal wilts.
Nutrient Deficiencies:
* Yellowing Leaves: Could indicate a lack of nitrogen, especially in older leaves.
* Purple Undersides: Sometimes a sign of phosphorus deficiency, common in early spring if soils are cold.
Tips for Growing Healthy, Productive Plants
To get the classic tomatillo look, they need the right care. Follow these steps.
1. Start with Good Plants: Choose sturdy seedlings or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.
2. Plant in Full Sun: They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for strong growth.
3. Give Them Space: Plant them 3 feet apart. They get huge and need good air circulation.
4. Provide Support Early: Install a tall cage or stake when planting to avoid damaging roots later.
5. Water Consistently: Keep soil evenly moist, especially once fruiting begins. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease.
6. Harvest at the Right Time: Fruit is ready when it fills the husk and the husk splits. Green varieties should be bright green, not yellow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How big do tomatillo plants get?
A: They can easily reach 3-4 feet tall and just as wide. Without support, they will sprawl along the ground.
Q: Can you tell me the difference between tomatillo and tomato plants?
A: Yes. Tomatillo leaves are broader and fuzzier, their flowers have dark purple spots, and of course, the fruit grows inside a dry, papery husk, which tomatoes do not have.
Q: What does a ripe tomatillo look like?
A: A ripe tomatillo has filled its papery husk, often causing it to split. The fruit inside is firm and vibrant green (for most common varieties). The husk itself turns from green to a dry tan or brown.
Q: Do the plants need a cage or stake?
A: Absolutely. Due to their large, sprawling nature and heavy fruit load, they benefit greatly from strong support like a tall tomato cage or sturdy stake.
Q: Why are my tomatillo flowers falling off without making fruit?
A: This is often due to poor pollination. You must have at least two plants for cross-pollination. Hot weather over 90°F can also cause blossom drop.
Q: Is it normal for the leaves to be a little sticky?
A: Yes, a slight stickiness on the leaves is normal for many tomatillo varieties and is not usually a cause for concern unless you also see signs of pests like aphids.
By familiarizing yourself with these visual details—from the fuzzy leaves and spotted flowers to the distinctive paper lantern husks—you’ll be able to easily identify and successfully grow tomatillo plants in your garden. Their unique look is part of what makes them such a fun and rewarding addition to the summer vegetable patch.