Skip to content

Physalis philadelphica

Tomatillo

Common names: Mexican tomato

Tomatillo

Photo: Frank Vincentz · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

This description was machine-translated.

Description

The tomatillo is the base of green Mexican salsa verde—a green, herbaceous-tart fruit that matures inside a papery lantern-like husk. Unlike its relative the Andean berry, it is cooked rather than eaten raw. The plants are self‑sterile, so you should always plant at least two together so they can cross‑pollinate and set fruit.

Care instructions

Start seedlings indoors in March, treating them like tomatoes. Transplant outside after the last frost (mid‑May, week 20) in pairs to a sunny spot with support. Water evenly at the root zone and give the sprawling plant ample space. Harvest when the husk is full and just beginning to split—then the fruit is ripe and aromatic.

Companion planting

Rather not

Notes from real gardens

What other gardeners have written down about this variety — anonymous, voluntary.

No notes shared yet. Will you be the first to write one down?

If you want to write your own notes, sign in or create an account.