Tomatillo seeds produce a warm-season annual plant with a bushy, spreading growth habit commonly grown in home gardens and raised beds. The plants are well adapted to temperate and warm climates and require a frost-free growing period to establish properly. Tomatillo plants perform best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, where they develop steady vegetative growth throughout the season. Their open growth habit makes them suitable for garden rows, mixed plantings, and small-scale garden spaces with adequate airflow.
Features
-
Warm-season annual plant with bushy, spreading growth habit
-
Suitable for home gardens, raised beds, and open garden plots
-
Adaptable to temperate and warm climate conditions
-
Performs well in full sun and well-drained soil
-
Establishes reliably with proper spacing and regular care
Specifications
-
Scientific name: Physalis philadelphica
-
Common name (US): Tomatillo
-
Seed type / variety: Standard tomatillo type
-
Growth habit: Annual, bushy and spreading
-
USDA hardiness zones: Grown as an annual in zones 3–10
-
Planting season: Spring after last frost
-
Sowing season with specific months per zone:
-
Zones 3–5: Start indoors March–April; transplant May–June
-
Zones 6–7: Start indoors February–March; transplant April–May
-
Zones 8–10: Direct sow or start indoors January–February; transplant February–March
-
-
Germination time and conditions: 7–14 days at 70–85°F with consistent moisture
-
Sunlight requirements: Full sun
-
Soil requirements: Fertile, well-drained loamy soil
-
Watering needs: Moderate; maintain evenly moist soil
-
Mature plant size: 3–4 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide
-
Plant spacing: 24–36 inches between plants