Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica
Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is an annual vegetable in the Solanaceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. It grows 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.
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Tomatillo at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 90 cm (35 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.3 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | about 4–6 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 100 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit (husk removed) |
| Native to | Mexico and Central America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Tomatillo toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: foliage, husk, unripe fruit
Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine-type alkaloids and withanolides that can upset the stomach; ripe husked fruit is eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tomatillo
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Late blight: Late blight spreads by wind-borne spores between potatoes, tomatoes and their relatives. Evidence B
- Verticillium wilt: Verticillium lives in soil for years; hosts planted together or in sequence build it up. Evidence B
Questions about Tomatillo
- How far apart should I plant Tomatillo?
- About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Tomatillo need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tomatillo need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tomatillo?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Tomatillo flower?
- About 4–6 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks.
- Is Tomatillo poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine-type alkaloids and withanolides that can upset the stomach; ripe husked fruit is eaten.
- What grows well with Tomatillo?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tomatillo. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Plants are self-incompatible: plant at least two so insects can cross-pollinate, or fruit will not set.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Ground cherry (husk cherry) Physalis pruinosa