How to grow Tomatillo in Australia

Plant in full sun in well drained soil. You must grow at least two plants close together, as they need cross pollination to set fruit.

At a glance

Difficulty: Intermediate
Sun: Full sun
Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 2 days
Spacing: 60 cm
Time to harvest: 85 days
Time to germinate: 10 days
Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
Frost tolerance: Frost tender

When to sow by region

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	August to November
Northern Rivers NSW	September to November	Coastal follows SEQ. Hinterland frost pockets: wait until September, as for tomatoes.
Sydney & Coastal NSW	August to November
Melbourne & Victoria	September to November	Sow indoors or under cover in September once frosts finish in mid September, or direct Oct to Nov once the soil warms. Grow at least two plants for pollination.
Adelaide & SA	August to November
Perth & WA	August to October	Sow Aug to Oct, indoors in August. Plant two for pollination and get fruit set before the January heat.
Tasmania	September to November	Sow indoors with warmth Sep to Nov and plant out after the last frost in early October. Grow at least two plants for pollination; a warm sheltered spot helps in cool summers.
Canberra & ACT	October and November	Start seed indoors or under cover in October, then plant out after the last frost in early November. Grow at least two plants for pollination.
North Queensland	April to August	Dry season only. Sow Apr to Aug, the same as tomatoes. Wet season plants rot.
Darwin & Top End	April to July	Dry season only. Sow Apr to Jul, the same as tomatoes. Wet season plants rot.

Varieties

Toma Verde
Purple

Companion planting

Good companions

Avoid planting near

Fennel

Harvest and storage

Harvest tip

Ready when the papery husk fills out and splits open and the fruit feels firm inside. Pick when the husk loosens; fallen fruit is often perfectly ripe.

Storage

In their husks in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks; freeze or bottle as sauce.