Growing Tomatillo

Physalis ixocarpa : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S S              
        T T T          
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Tomatillo in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 81°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 28 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-14 weeks. Husk splits when fruit is ripe..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Will happily grow in a flower border

Your comments and tips

23 Sep 17, Suzy (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Mara. I grew a bumper crop of tomatillo last summer and saved thousands of seeds. I'm happy to share or swap. This month I've put in a tomatillo hedge of 11 plants; I'm hoping people will pass by, curious, pick a few and start conversations.
12 Nov 23, Sair (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Suzy, would there be a chance of a few seeds please, if you aren't too far away . Sair
20 Sep 17, jack niemann (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
online greenpatch seeds https://greenpatchseeds.com.au/snowpea-to-tomatillo-seed.html
11 Sep 17, Bru (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Mara. You could try Hillside Herbs at Mclaren Vale. I get most of my herbs/veg from these guys. Always healthy plants and good knowledgeable service. If they don't have any, they may at least know where to get some.
11 Sep 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
You can try some of the nurseries around Adelaide; Garden Grove or Virginia Nursery could have them. Otherwise, the Seed Collection lists tomatillo seeds online, but is currently out of stock.
11 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Internet - Boondie Seeds - type in Tomatillo in the search box in top right hand corner.
03 Sep 17, Kate Frawley (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I just bought one tomatillo plant as part of a mixed punnet from Bunnings. Dies this mean I wont get fruit as I read they are not self pollinators
14 Nov 17, Cassi (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi kate can you give me a couple more details please - like which bunnings and can you remember which brand the punnet was etc? I need tomatillos to harevst for early jan and out of the 7 seeds i planted only one is still alive :( I need to find already growing seedlings now....and yes everything i read says they dont self pollinate :(
10 Sep 17, Sue Dietrich (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought seed packets from Bunnings Traralgon. I have about 30 growing. Kate, how did yours fare? I did read you can prune them after four leaves appear. this is my first attempt
04 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
That is what it says. Need to buy one or some more plants.
Showing 21 - 30 of 62 comments

I got 2 tomatoes, but one died. Will they grow from cuttings or do I have to find another seedling (tomatoes or tomatillos ? ed:)

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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