How to Grow Tomatillo

A warm-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

Tomatillo is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Tomatillo in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the tomatillo page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Toma Verde, Standard productive green tomatillo (Johnny's Selected Seeds)
• Purple, Sweeter, purple-blushed fruit (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 60 cm (24 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 4 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Whitefly. In humid regions, Few can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Tomatillo is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant tomatillo where you garden.

See also: Tomatillo in the plant library →

Related guides