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Tomatillos — Physalis philadelphica / Physalis ixocarpa

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Tomatillos — Physalis philadelphica / Physalis ixocarpa

layout: base.njk title: Tomatillos description: Growing Tomatillos in West Virginia (Zone 6b/7a) category: warm-season

Quick Reference: See detailed growing information below

Type: Annual
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade)
Sun: Full sun (6-8+ hours)
Water: Moderate (1" per week)
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Hardiness: Annual (frost-tender)

🌱 Expected Yield

  • Per plant: 2-4 lbs (60-120 fruits, depending on variety)
  • Per 10' row: 20-30 lbs (3-4 plants)
  • Notes: Extremely prolific—2-3 plants usually sufficient for family. Fruits keep for weeks in husks. Yield continues until frost. Plants can become sprawling; some support helpful.

🏺 Heirloom Varieties

'Verde'

  • Source: Baker Creek (rareseeds.com), Seed Savers Exchange (seedsavers.org)
  • Days: 65 days
  • Notes: Standard green tomatillo. Medium-sized fruits, 1-2". Tart, citrusy flavor. Perfect for salsa verde. Prolific producer. The most common variety.

'Purple de Milpa'

  • Source: Baker Creek, Southern Exposure (southernexposure.com)
  • Days: 70 days
  • Notes: Deep purple fruits with green stripes. Sweeter than green varieties when fully ripe. Beautiful color. Mexican heirloom. Excellent for fresh eating and salsa.

'Amarillo' (Yellow)

  • Source: Baker Creek, Latin American seed exchanges
  • Days: 68 days
  • Notes: Golden-yellow fruits. Sweeter, less acidic than green varieties. Good for fresh eating. Beautiful in the garden. Mexican heritage.

'Large Verde'

  • Source: Seed Savers Exchange, Baker Creek
  • Days: 70 days
  • Notes: Fruits 2-3" diameter, larger than standard. Green with light striping. Meaty flesh. Good for canning. Reliable producer.

'Strawberry' (Ground Cherry cousin)

  • Source: Baker Creek, Johnny's Seeds (johnnyseeds.com)
  • Days: 65 days
  • Notes: Small, sweet fruits. Blurs line between tomatillo and ground cherry. Less acidic. Good for snacking. Ornamental husks.

'Red' (Rio Grande)

  • Source: Baker Creek, Southern Exposure
  • Days: 75 days
  • Notes: Deep red to purple fruits when ripe. Sweeter than green varieties. Beautiful color. Mexican heirloom. Less common, worth seeking.

'Giant' (Jumbo)

  • Source: Baker Creek, specialty seed companies
  • Days: 70 days
  • Notes: Extra-large fruits, 2-3" diameter. Light green. Meaty, less seedy. Good for stuffing. Vigorous plants.

'Mexican Red'

  • Source: Seed Savers Exchange, Baker Creek
  • Days: 72 days
  • Notes: Red-purple fruits. Sweet-tart flavor. Traditional in Mexican cuisine. Less acidic than green types. Beautiful in salsa.

'Dr. Wyche's Yellow'

  • Source: Seed Savers Exchange
  • Days: 68 days
  • Notes: Named after tomato collector Dr. Wyche. Golden-yellow fruits. Sweet, mild flavor. Good for those who find green tomatillos too tart.

'Tampiqueno'

  • Source: Baker Creek, Latin American seed sources
  • Days: 65 days
  • Notes: From Tampico, Mexico. Medium green fruits. Classic tomatillo flavor. Very productive. Authentic Mexican variety.

'Purple Jam'

  • Source: Baker Creek, specialty heirloom companies
  • Days: 70 days
  • Notes: Deep purple fruits. Sweet when ripe. Makes stunning purple salsa and jam. Ornamental value. Children love the color.

'Verde Claro' (Light Green)

  • Source: Baker Creek, Southern Exposure
  • Days: 65 days
  • Notes: Pale green fruits. Milder, less acidic flavor. Good for fresh eating. Mexican heirloom. Reliable producer.

🌾 Seed Saving

Method: 1. Choose fully ripe fruit from healthy plants—husks should be dry, brown, and split open 2. Remove husk; fruit will be sticky 3.

Cut fruit open; scoop seeds and gel into jar or bowl 4. Add water; ferment 2-3 days at room temperature 5. Stir daily; viable seeds will sink 6.

Pour off pulp, gel, and floating debris 7. Rinse viable seeds in fine-mesh strainer 8. Spread on glass or paper plate; dry 1-2 weeks in shaded, ventilated area 9.

Seeds will stick together as they dry—break apart gently 10. Store in paper envelope in cool, dry, dark place.

Note: Tomatillo seeds are smaller and more numerous than tomato seeds.

Isolation Distance: - Cross-pollinating: Tomatillos require cross-pollination between plants - Minimum: 100-500 feet between varieties for pure seed - For seed sale: 1/4 mile isolation or cage flowers - Note: Bees are primary pollinators; multiple varieties in same garden will cross readily

Viability: 4-6 years under proper storage. Germination rates remain good through year 5.

Special Notes: - Must grow at least 2 plants (different genetic individuals) for fruit set - One fruit yields 200-400 seeds - Fruits left on plant until husks fully dry will self-seed readily - Save from 5-10 plants for genetic diversity - Select for flavor, productivity, disease resistance, and husk characteristics

Added to WV Planting Guide 26155 — The Loop Farmstead