Husk tomatoes

Husk tomatoes Care

Physalis philadelphica

What is the plant

The tomatillo, also known as the Mexican husk tomato, is a plant of the nightshade family bearing small, spherical and green or green-purple fruit of the same name. Tomatillos originated in Mexico and were cultivated in the pre-Columbian era.

Husk tomatoes have light-brown, papery husks (calyxes) that enlarge and cover the maturing fruits. The 2 most common cultivated species are the ground cherry and the tomatillo. Both have been cultivated in Central and South America for centuries, before even tomatoes. Ground cherries are so named because the cherry-sized fruits are borne near the ground. The leaves of ground cherries are hairy or fuzzy and the plants grow 1-2 ft. tall with lateral spreading growth. Tomatillos are larger-fruited, typically 1-3 in. diameter, and the plants grow 2-5 ft. tall with smooth leaves. Some varieties may grow 8 ft. or more with a ground-hugging growth habit. The Spanish name tomatillo is derived from the Indian name “tomatl.”

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 25°C

Hardiness zone

min 6a

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Although moderately drought-tolerant, tomatillos do best with an inch or so of water per week.
Fertilizer
Tomatillos do well with regular application of a fertilizer that is high in phosphorous and potassium. Before planting, amend the soil with a 10-10-10 fertilizer, using about 1/4 pound per every 50 square feet. Be sure to work the fertilizer deep in the soil. After harvesting the first fruits, apply a second feeding consisting of 5-10-10 fertilizer, using 1/2 cup for each plant. This second feeding helps tomatillos continue flowering and producing fruit.
Sunlight
Select a growing area with full sun exposure.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Choose a place with a well-drained, moderately rich soil. They do not fare well in soggy, poorly drained soil. Work a couple inches of compost into the soil before planting seeds, and fork deeply to improve drainage. Raised beds work great for the tomatillo plant if your garden has heavy clay soil.
Temperature
These plants can be grown in the areas with the lowest winter temperatures of −12.2°C (10°F). Start tomatillo seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your last frost date. Transplant them to the garden when all danger of frost is past and the soil is thoroughly warm (above 50°F).
Popularity
1,247 people already have this plant 183 people have added this plant to their wishlists