garden
Tomatillo
Physalis philadelphica
EdibleMedicinalToxic — Use Caution
Overview
The tangy, citrusy fruit inside a papery husk that is the essential ingredient in Mexican green salsa (salsa verde). Tomatillos are related to tomatoes but have a distinctly sharp, bright flavor that is completely their own. They are easier to grow than tomatoes, less susceptible to disease, and incredibly productive — but they need at least two plants for cross-pollination.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones4 — 11
Height1m
Spread0.6m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeWell-drained, moderately fertile, warm soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; needs 2 plants for pollination |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost danger; plant 2+ for cross-pollination |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest when husk splits and fruit fills it; green or purple |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 6-8 weeks before transplant |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after last frost; stake or cage plants |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest when husks split open; fruit should be firm |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant when nighttime temps stay above 50°F |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jul — Oct | Harvest when husks split; 75-100 days from transplant |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Direct sow or transplant in spring; self-sows readily |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Harvest when husks are papery and split |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Direct sow in early spring |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | May — Jul | Harvest before extreme heat |
Uses
Culinary
- Essential for salsa verde and green enchilada sauce
- Roasted with peppers for smoky salsas
- Added to soups, stews, and pozole
Medicinal
- Rich in withanolides with anti-inflammatory properties
- Good source of vitamins C and K
- Contains niacin and potassium
Other Uses
- Easier to grow and more disease-resistant than tomatoes
- Self-seeding annual that returns in mild climates
Safety Notes
Unripe fruit and the papery husk should not be eaten. All parts except ripe fruit are toxic (nightshade family).
