Tomatillos
The essential ingredient for salsa verde, tomatillos are closely related to cape gooseberries. They are relatively easy to grow and thrive in similar conditions to tomatoes, requiring warmth and sun.
Tomatillos seeds
£2.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March – April, indoors on a warm windowsill or propagator
Plant out
Late May – early June, once all risk of frost has passed
Harvest
August – October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day
Water
Keep soil consistently moist; they are less tolerant of drought than tomatoes.
Soil
Rich, free-draining, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
60-90cm between plants. Plant at least two for good pollination.
Containers
Excellent in large pots (min. 30cm diameter) or grow bags. Provide support.
Indoors
Can be grown in a greenhouse or a sunny, sheltered spot outdoors in the UK.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Once fruits start to set, feed weekly with a high-potash tomato feed.
Pruning
Pinch out side shoots similar to indeterminate tomatoes, or allow to sprawl and provide support. Support plants with canes.
Harvesting
Pick when the papery husk splits or changes colour (often brown/tan), revealing the firm, coloured fruit inside.
Storage
Store in their husks in the fridge for several weeks, or process into salsa and freeze.
Good companions: Marigolds, Carrots, Peppers, Onions