Growing Tomatillos from Seed: A Complete Guide

Tomatillos are a popular fruit in Mexican cuisine, often used in sauces and salsas. Growing your tomatillos from seed can be a great way to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce for your kitchen. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of growing tomatillos from seeds, right from preparing the soil to harvesting your fruit.

Materials Needed

Before diving right in, let us first take a look at the materials you will need for growing tomatillos from seed.

- Tomatillo seeds
- Seedling trays
- Seed starting soil mix
- Liquid fertilizer
- Grow lights
- Pruners
- Garden bed or pots with at least 18 inches of soil depth and width

Preparing the Soil

Tomatillos love rich, loamy soil with good drainage. They thrive in slightly acidic soil, so a pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal. Before planting, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging. You can test the soil using a soil testing kit to determine its pH level.

When planting in pots or containers, add a layer of gravel, sand, or perlite at the bottom to improve drainage. For garden beds, mix organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or worm castings into the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Be sure to remove any rocks, debris, or weeds from the soil to provide your tomatillos with a healthy growing environment.

Starting the Seeds

Tomatillos grow best in warm weather. Sow the seeds indoors about eight weeks before the last frost date in your area or when soil temperatures reach at least 70℉. Using a seedling tray, fill each cell with seed starter mix about three-quarters full. Sow two to three seeds per cell, spacing them about half an inch apart.

Cover the tray with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to retain moisture, and place it in a warm spot in your home or under grow lights. Keep the soil damp but not waterlogged, misting the soil frequently or using a spray bottle. When the seeds germinate in 10-14 days, remove the plastic dome or wrap and move the tray to a location with plenty of light.

Transplanting Seedlings

When the seedlings are about three inches tall, it is time to transplant them into larger containers or garden beds. Be sure to select a sunny location with well-draining soil. Tomatillo plants grow to be quite tall and bushy, so make sure they have at least 16-18 inches of space between them.

While it is always best to transplant on a cloudy day, if that’s not possible, transplant in the evening when the sun is not as strong. Gently remove the seedlings from the tray, being careful not to damage the roots. Dig a hole about the size of the seedling's root ball, gently place the seedling in the hole, and cover with soil.

Water immediately and ensure the soil is lightly moist at all times. The roots should be adequately developed in about 2-3 weeks, and by then, you can begin to fertilize them with liquid fertilizer.

Caring for Your Tomatillo Plants

Tomatillo plants require proper care to produce the best harvest. Here are a few tips on how to tend to your tomatillo plants.

Watering

Tomatillos require regular watering, especially young plants. Provide enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Drought stress can cause tomatillo fruits to crack, so be sure not to let the soil dry out completely. Water from the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves, which can promote the growth of diseases.

Fertilizing

Tomatillo plants require adequate nutrition to produce a healthy harvest. When the plants are about six inches tall, you can begin to fertilize them with liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package.

To promote healthy fruit growth, stop fertilizing your plants about two weeks before harvesting.

Pruning

Tomatillos grow quite tall and can become very bushy. Therefore it is essential to prune them to maintain good airflow and promote sunlight penetration. Prune your tomatillo plants from the bottom up to maintain a height of 4-6 feet. Remove any yellow or diseased leaves or branches to prevent the spread of diseases.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take for tomatillos to mature?

A: Tomatillos take about 70-80 days to reach maturity from the time they are transplanted.

Q: Can I grow tomatillos in pots?

A: Yes, tomatillos can be grown in pots, provided they have at least 18-inches of soil depth and width.

Q: Do tomatillo plants require support?

A: Tomatillos grow quite tall and can become top-heavy when laden with fruit, so it’s a good idea to provide support for them. You can use stakes or cages to keep the plants upright.

Q: Can I grow tomatillos outside of Mexico?

A: Yes, tomatillos can grow well in a variety of climates.

Q: Can I save seeds from tomatillos for future planting?

A: Yes, you can save seeds from mature tomatillo fruit for next season’s planting. Simply remove the seeds from the fruit, wash and dry them, and store them in a cool, dry place until planting season.

Conclusion

Growing tomatillos from seed can be a satisfying and rewarding experience. With the above steps, you should be able to produce fresh tomatillos that will add a perfect touch to your meals. Just remember to provide your plants with adequate water, nourishment, and sunlight, and they will reward you with bountiful fruit.