How to Grow Tomatillo Plants
Tomatillo is also known as Toma Verde or Ground Cherries. It is a member
of the nightshade family, related to tomatoes. It is grown like a tomato,
and the plant and leaves look like a tomato plant. That is where the similarity
ends. Twenty years ago, most Americans did not even know of Tomatillos, let
alone think about growing them. Now, avid gardeners looking for something
different to grow, often turn to Tomatillos.
The fruit of the Tomatillo is green, and about the size of a large cherry
tomato. The inside is white and meatier than a tomato. Tomatillos grow inside
of a thin paper-like husk. They are used in Salsa, jams and other mexican
recipes.
Varieties of Tomatillos:
Sowing Tomatillo Seeds:
Sow Tomatillo seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Transplant
tomatillo plants into your garden after all chance of frost has past. Plant
seedlings 18 - 24 inches apart, in rows three to four feet apart.
Tip: Harden off your tomatillo plants, by bringing them outdoors for
increasing amounts of time, beginning a week before transplanting. Make sure
to bring them in, or put them in a cold frame, if frost is forecast.
Days to Maturity:
90 - 100 days.
How to Grow Tomatillo Plants:
Tomatillos like hot weather. They are grown just like
tomatoes. Provide plenty of water, and mulch around the plant to retain
water. Feed them regularly, and switch over from nitrogen to higher phosphorous
and potassium as the plants grow, to promote flowering and fruit set.
Plants need support to grow their best, and to keep the fruit off the ground.
Use stakes cages or
Veggie Cages .
Insects and Pests:
Insect infestations are fairly uncommon. Occasional chewing and sucking pests
will affect them. The most common pests are cutworms, snails and slugs.
Tip: Stake your plants up to keep the fruit off the ground. This keeps
the snails and slugs away and damage from lying on the ground.
Diseases of Tomatillos:
A number of plant problems can arise, usually in mid summer heat and humidity.
Blights and fungus infections can occur in the high humidity. Early treatment
with fungicides is effective. Spacing plants too close, cuts down air circulation
and promotes disease.
Harvesting:
Tomatillos are ripe when the paper-like husk turns brown and breaks open.
Remove the husk, and rinse the oily substance off. Store in a cool, dry place
until you are ready to use them.
Hardiness:
Tomatillos are a tender annual. Transplant them in your garden after all
danger of frost has past. Cover tender seedlings if frost is forecast. If
there is fruit still on the plant in the fall, cover them with a sheet of
plastic, a blanket, or an old tablecloth. They will succumb to any frost.
More Information:
Buy Tomatillo Seeds
Homemade Salsa Recipe
Veggie Cages Throw away the wire and hoop tomato
cages. This revolutionary cage expands a whopping 7ft! Stores flat in almost
no space. Try them on sweet peas, tomatoes, pole beans, and other climbing
climbing flowers and vegetables.
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