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

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03 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Google "how to grow tomatillos" and read read read.
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07 Nov 17, Patricia (Australia - temperate climate)
What a lovely idea! I’ve never grown them and about to plant some seeds-
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07 Oct 17, Juanito Dela Cuestak (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy tomatillo seedling or seeds in Melbourne. And, how to grow tomatillo plants here in Melbourne.
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16 Nov 19, Jennifer S (Australia - temperate climate)
I found tomatillo seeds online, The Seed Collection. I am just about to plant out my seedlings, along with a few heirloom tomato varieties today. Its the first time I have tried to grow these in Canberra, so fingers crossed!
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09 Feb 18, Michael Williams (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
New Gippsland Seeds in Silvan (near Lilydale) sell them Juanito. www.newgipps.com.au/product.asp?prodId=1964 I suggest you go there and look at what else they have. I was very impressed. I have no affiliation with them, incidentally, just loved their enthusiasm and range of stock.
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08 Oct 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
The Seed Collection sells seeds online, and they are based in Victoria.
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30 Sep 17, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
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02 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try "Australian Seeds" website. 30 seeds $3.60 + postage. Or look for Cape Gooseberries - very similar. Look around the internet to find sellers and best price.
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30 Sep 17, Lawry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I get my seeds fro fairdinkum seeds. They are a farth north qld family who sell all sorts of fascinating seeds by mail order. Fairdinkumseeds.com.au or on Facebook.
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09 Sep 17, Mara (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I live in Adelaide. Appart from Bunnings do you know any other contact where I could get seeds or plant to start growing it myself? I'm mexican and tomatillo is like the 'heart' of mexican dishes so can't wait to grow it! :)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 62 comments
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Tomatillo, Cape gooseberry, husk tomato and ground cherry are different names used somewhat interchangeably for different plants in the Physalis genus of the nightshade family. Green Harvest in Qld sells three varieties of tomatillo seeds and the sweet Cape Gooseberry (greenharvest.com.au/SeedOrganic/VegetableSeeds/TomatilloToTurnip.html). Unfortunately Green Harvest's Physalis seeds can't be shipped to WA, and only the tomatillo varieties can be shipped to NSW. Chile Mojo is in SA, and can't ship tomatillo seeds to WA, neither can Diggers (although they will ship cape gooseberry seeds to NSW and also have another type of ground cherry). TAS and NT may also have quarantine restrictions for some species of Physalis from other states. Two different perennial species are banned from sale in NSW and VIC (and possibly WA) as noxious weeds and are subject to eradication or control measures—most other cultivated varieties found in Australia are classed as "weeds of cultivation" and now grow wild in all states, having been introduced with the very first European settlers.

- Andrew Charles

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