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 21°C and 27°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 70 cm 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

01 Nov 16, Donald Ellison (Australia - temperate climate)
Where to by tomarilla seed or plants
27 Nov 16, James (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Bunnings sell the toma verde variety in Johnsons seed packets.
30 Oct 16, Donald Ellison (Australia - temperate climate)
Where to by tomarilla seed or plants
18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Google Eden Seeds or Green Harvest. I believe they both have them.
23 Oct 16, ashley (Australia - temperate climate)
Just wondering how to prune a tomatillo? Is it the same as pruning a tomato or egg plant?
21 Jan 17, Val (Australia - temperate climate)
No need to prune tomatillo plants.
30 Apr 16, David Bruce Claydon (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there, I live in the Upper Hunter Valley in New South Wales where temperatures can go between -2 & 40+ in summer. Would tomatillo grow in this climate & if so, which month would be best to plant.
21 Dec 15, lj (Australia - temperate climate)
tomatillo seeds and cape gooseberry seeds are available in the seeds of the world series at Bunnings, both grow readily from seed but best in seed raising mix until planting out. Then they go crazy in Sydney near the coast, up to 1.5m high and wide. They need staking and plenty of support as stems are not woody and split easily when full of fruit. I've got a great crop about ready to harvest and a real Mexican friend coming to show some cooking techniques and recipes. You can get 20-100 tomatillos from one plant over a few months. Gooseberries are a bit smaller but sweet and juicy when the case around the fruit goes brown and the fruit turns yellow-orange
13 Oct 15, Rosemary brown (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi...Tomatillo seeds can be purchased by mail from Yilgarn drylands permaculture in Western Australia...have just planted & am waiting . Rosie
07 Oct 15, Merv (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought a packet of seeds from Bunnings here in Mildura. They cost about $4 and are packed in Australia. the back of the pack says to use before august 2018. more at www.johnsons-seeds.com.au
Showing 31 - 40 of 62 comments

I live in Western Victoria, and would like to try some Tomatillo. Can you advise where to buy seed or seedlings in Hamilton or Mt Gambier (nearest main centres). I do grow Cape Gooseberries which grow extremely well here, despite frosts in winter months but have never tried ixocarpa.

- Paul

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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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