Ready to add a burst of vibrant flavor to your salsa and sauces? Then it’s time to grow tomatillos!

Get Growing!
These unique, husk-covered fruits are surprisingly easy to cultivate in your home garden, and the rewards are well worth the effort. I’m walking you through everything you need to know to get started, from choosing the right variety and preparing your soil to harvesting and using fresh tomatillos to make Salsa Verde, and fresh chicken chili!

Do I Need To Plant Tomatillo Plants Together?
- Pollination: Tomatillos require cross-pollination to produce fruit. Planting just one plant would result in very few, if any, tomatillos…. Been there, done that;)
- Spacing: Space the plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation and sunlight penetration.
- Variety: You can plant two of the same variety, or two different varieties!
By planting at least two tomatillo plants, you’ll increase your chances of a bountiful harvest and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor! Sources and related content
Time to Harvest from Planting Starts
Factors that can influence growth time:
Variety: Some varieties may mature faster than others.
Climate: Warmer climates can speed up growth, while cooler climates may slow it down.
Soil conditions: Well-drained, fertile soil will promote faster growth.
Water and sunlight: Consistent watering and ample sunlight are crucial.
Key stages in tomatillo growth:
Seed Starting (if starting from seed): 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Transplanting: After the last frost has passed and soil has warmed up.
Flowering: Typically occurs within a few weeks after transplanting.
Fruit Set: Once flowers are pollinated, fruit begins to develop within the husk.
Maturity: Fruit reaches full size and color within 60-75 days after transplanting.
Pinching off Flowers
Pinch off the first few flowers that appear on your young tomatillo plants. This Encourages Stronger Growth! Pinching off early flowers allows the plant to focus its energy on developing a strong root system and vigorous foliage. This makes for healthier plants and ultimately a better overall yield.
Pinching off the first few flowers also improves Fruit Production by allowing the plant to establish itself before producing fruit, it encourages larger and more numerous fruits later in the season!
Once the plant has established itself and is actively growing, allow it to flower and produce fruit:)

Sow & Grow Tomatillos
Sowing Seeds Indoors
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
- Days to Germination: 7-14 days
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting trays filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (70-80°F). Provide plenty of light (use grow lights if necessary).
Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.
Preparing the Garden
- Soil: Tomatillos prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Sunlight: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Spacing: Plant tomatillos 2-3 feet apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart. Overcrowding can increase the risk of both aphid infestations and the spread of blight!
How to Plant Tomatillo Starts
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
Start by digging holes slightly larger than the root ball of each seedling. Gently place the seedlings in the holes, ensuring they are positioned at the same depth as they were growing in the pots. Backfill the holes with soil, firming it gently around the base of each plant. Water the newly planted tomatillos thoroughly to settle the soil and help them establish strong roots.

Growing Tomatillos
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Staking/Trellising: As the plants grow, you can provide support with stakes or cages to prevent them from sprawling but it’s not necessary.
- Pollination: Plant at least two tomatillo plants together to ensure cross-pollination.
- Pest & Disease Control: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of aphids and blight. Early detection and intervention are crucial for successful control.
Organic Aphid & Blight Control
Encourage Beneficial Insects – Ladybugs: These are natural aphid predators. Attract them by planting flowers like yarrow, dill, and fennel. Lacewings: These delicate insects also feed on aphids.
Soapy Water Spray: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected plant parts thoroughly, making sure to cover the undersides of the leaves. Repeat as needed.
Strong Spray of Water: A forceful spray from a garden hose can dislodge aphids from the plants.
For Blight:
Watering at the Base: Water the plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can promote fungal growth.
Remove Infected Leaves: Promptly remove any leaves showing signs of blight to prevent the disease from spreading.
Copper Spray: Copper fungicide can be used as a preventative measure or to treat early infections.

Harvesting Tomatillos
- Timing: Tomatillos are ready to harvest when the husks turn papery and the fruit within is firm and fully colored (usually green).
- Method: Gently twist and pull the fruit from the stem.
How to Store Tomatillos
Avoid Washing: Wash the tomatillos just before using them. Washing them prematurely can cause them to spoil faster.
Freshly picked tomatillos can be stored in their husks for 2 to 3 weeks in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Keep them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator in a paper bag to help maintain humidity and prevent them from drying out.
