Tomatillo

Growing

Because tomatillos are self-incompatible, you should plant at least two different plants near each other to ensure successful pollination and fruit set. If you are starting from seed, it is best to begin indoors and move your transplants outside only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. While they can be grown in containers, these plants branch out rapidly and can reach significant heights, so providing stakes is essential. Staking helps keep the heavy fruit off the ground, which protects the delicate husks from slugs and rot.

To keep your plants healthy, focus on managing weeds during the first few weeks of growth; using organic mulch is a great way to suppress weeds while helping the soil retain moisture. Keep an eye out for green peach aphids, as these pests can transmit the turnip mosaic virus, which causes leaf distortion. When the fruit is ready, you will notice the paper-like husk turning brown and the fruit filling the space so much that it may even split the husk open.

Unlike many other garden crops, tomatillos do not continue to ripen once they are picked, so you must harvest them when they are fully mature. For the best flavor, harvest them at their peak and use them immediately. If you have a surplus, you can blanch the fruit before freezing it for later use. When storing any unharvested fruit, keep them unwashed to help prevent spoilage.