Tomatillo
Physalis ixocarpa
Tomatillos are the tangy green fruits inside papery husks that form the base of Mexican salsa verde. They grow like sprawling tomato plants but are more vigorous and disease-resistant, making them surprisingly easy in the UK climate. Critically, you must grow at least two plants — tomatillos are self-incompatible and won't set fruit without cross-pollination. Sow seeds in March under cover, plant out after last frost, and stake or cage like tomatoes (plants reach 1.2m and sprawl widely). Fruits are ready when they fill the husk and the husk splits — usually August to October. Pick before the husk turns fully brown; over-ripe fruits go yellow and lose their tang. Use immediately or refrigerate in their husks for up to a month.
Plan where to grow Tomatillo using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Sow Tomatillo
Sow tomatillo in March, April.
Time to Harvest Tomatillo
Expect to harvest approximately 4 months after sowing, usually from August to October.
Companion Plants for Tomatillo
- Sweet Basil
Basil enjoys the same warm, sheltered spot and is traditionally thought to help deter aphids and whitefly.
- French Marigold
French marigolds draw in hoverflies whose larvae eat aphids, and are a traditional partner for tomatoes and their relatives.
- Coriander (Cilantro)
Coriander is a natural partner in the kitchen for salsa verde, and its flowers attract hoverflies and other beneficial insects.
Avoid growing tomatillo near
- Fennel: Herb fennel is widely reported to inhibit the growth of many crops nearby, so it is best kept in its own spot.
Expected Yield
Each plant yields 1.5–2.5kg of fruit — two plants make plenty of salsa for a season.
Common Problems with Tomatillo
No fruit setting
Tomatillos are self-incompatible — a single plant rarely fruits. Always grow at least two plants close together to ensure pollination.
Plants sprawling everywhere
Tomatillos grow far more vigorously than tomatoes. Cage with a sturdy frame at planting or grow against a strong stake — once they sprawl they're hard to tame.
Sticky residue on fruit
The husk and skin produce a sticky natural coating. Rinse fruits in warm water after husking to remove it — perfectly harmless and washes off easily.
Tomatillo: common questions
When should I sow tomatillo in the UK?
Sow tomatillo from March to April. Sow under cover (a greenhouse, windowsill or heated propagator) and plant out once the weather has warmed.
How far apart should I plant tomatillo?
Space tomatillo about 90cm apart. It grows to around 1.2m tall. Sow seeds 0.5cm deep.
How long does tomatillo take to germinate?
Tomatillo seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days, depending on temperature.
When is tomatillo ready to harvest?
In the UK, tomatillo is usually harvested from August to October. It's ready about 4 months after sowing.
Does tomatillo come back every year?
No. Tomatillo is an annual: it grows, flowers and dies in one year, so sow it again each year. Some annuals self-seed if a few flowers are left to set seed.
What grows well with tomatillo?
Good companions for tomatillo include Sweet Basil, French Marigold and Coriander (Cilantro). See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
What should I not plant near tomatillo?
Avoid fennel: herb fennel is widely reported to inhibit the growth of many crops nearby, so it is best kept in its own spot.
Is tomatillo frost hardy?
No. Tomatillo is tender and is damaged by frost, so keep it under cover until all risk of frost has passed and bring it in, or grow it under glass, when nights turn cold.
What crop rotation group is tomatillo in?
Tomatillo belongs in the nightshades group for crop rotation. Grow it in a different bed each year, alongside other nightshades, so pests and diseases don't build up in the soil.
Plan your tomatillo in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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