The tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica and Physalis ixocarpa), also known as the Mexican husk tomato, is a plant of the nightshade family bearing small, spherical and green or green-purple fruit of the same name. Tomatillos originated in Mexico and were cultivated in the pre-Columbian era. A staple of Mexican cuisine, they are eaten raw and cooked in a variety of dishes, particularly salsa verde. The tomatillo is a perennial plant but is generally grown for agriculture each year as if it were an annual.
How to keep Physalis Ixocarpa.
Water
Tomatillo plants are relatively drought-tolerant. However, providing an inch of water every week will stimulate healthy growth.
Temperature
Tomatillos will grow as annuals in all hardiness zones. They will grow just fine in different areas so long as it has heat, sunlight, and regular water. This plant is very sensitive to cold temperatures. Native to Mexico, these plants generally thrive in hot climates and hot summers. Humidity typically is not a growing requirement for these veggies.
Fertilizer
You won’t need to fertilize your tomatillos. These light feeders will do just fine with compost worked into the soil before planting.
Pruning
Tomatillos are relatively problem-free and do not require regular upkeep as they are pruned during the harvest. However, the plant has a bushy growth habit and only reaches up to 2 or 3 feet tall. They can easily be weighed down by the fruits, so staking or caging may be necessary.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Perennial vegetable; usually grown as an annual
- Genus
- Physalis
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-10
- Native Area
- Mexico
Other names.
