Like tomatoes, the tomatillo is a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae).

In its native climate, tomatillo plants are perennials but in most areas theyre cultivated as annuals.

In hot weather climates, you might also plant tomatillo plants in the fall or winter months.

tomatillo growing in a garden

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

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Tomatillo plants are also a good choice forvegetable container gardening.

Companion plants for tomatillosinclude basil and carrots.

budding tomatillos

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Compared to a tomato plant, a tomatillo plant is lighter and requires less external support.

In addition, at least two tomatillo plants are necessary for fruit production.

Abundant light exposure increases flower production, which is the precursor to prolific fruit production.

tomatillos

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Soil

Well-draining soil is the most important factor when it comes to soil jot down.

Heavy soils that hold excessive moisture can expose the plant to root rot.

The best soil conditions are rich and loamy with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level.

tomatillo buds

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Water

Tomatillo plants do best with regular watering but be careful not to overwater the plant.

Only water when the top few inches of soil is dry to the touch.

These plants exhibit moderate drought tolerance.

These plants do exceptionally well with adrip irrigation system.

Temperature and Humidity

Tomatillos are cold-sensitive and grow best when temperatures are between 65F and 80F.

If the temperature climbs too high, it can adversely affect fruit development.

Fertilizer

The best fertilizer for tomatillo plants is a low-nitrogen formula like 5-10-10.

Types of Tomatillos

Green Varieties

Purple or Yellow Varieties

Tomatillos vs.

If the fruit has a lot of resistance, it may not be fully ripe yet.

A 5-gallon bucket or pot (or larger) will provide enough room for the plant to develop.

Keep in mind that youll need two tomatillo plants, so prepare two pots with high-quality potting soil.

After sprouting, water regularly and expose the plants to bright light, using a grow light if necessary.

In advance of expected frost, cover the plant with a frost blanket to reduce the risk of damage.

The tomatillo plant is subject to many of the samediseases as a tomato plant.

Blight and foliar fungal diseases are the chief concern.

In most climates, you should plant tomatillo plants in March or April.

In general, however, you might expect to harvest between 60 and 200 tomatillos from a single plant.

Tomatillos share many growing characteristics with tomatoes and a similar list ofcompanion plants to avoid.

Tomatillo Production in California.

University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Tomatillos: Harvest and storage.

South Dakota State University Extension Office.

Tomatillos.Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office.