tomatillo

Also known as: jamberberry; Mexican husk tomato; husk tomato; jamberry

A lax, branching annual with serrated leaves growing to 1.2m tall and wide. Yellow summer flowers with brown centres are followed by rounded edible fruit to 7cm in diameter surrounded by a thin, paper-like husk; fruits ripen from green to yellow or purple

Scientific classification

Species: tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa)
Genus: Physalis
Family: Solanaceae

Only the berries are edible, other plant parts can cause mild stomach upset if eaten. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling]
Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse · Annual Biennial · Fruit Edible
Plant type: 1-1.5 metres
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

tomatillo pictures

Distribution of tomatillo

Distribution map

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Only the berries are edible, other plant parts can cause mild stomach upset if eaten. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling]

Quick identification of tomatillo

Information to be completed

tomatillo care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

None required

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Growing

Sow seed indoors in early spring. Grow on in a cool greenhouse, or outdoors in milder areas once all risk of frost has passed. Needs well-drained soil in a sunny position and support for the lax branches. Feed every 10-14 days with a balanced liquid fertiliser before switching to a high potassium liquid feed once the first fruits have set

More growing and care information →