How to grow Tomatillo in New Zealand
Tomatillo, the husk tomato, is a Mexican relative of the tomato whose green fruit grows inside a papery husk and tastes sharp and lime-like, perfect for salsa verde. It is grown much like a tomato after the frosts, but you need at least two plants, as they need cross-pollination to set fruit. One healthy plant can carry up to 200 fruit.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Tomatillos
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to December | |
| Auckland | September to December | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | September to December | |
| Central North Island | November and December | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October to December | Plant out Oct to Dec in a warm spot sheltered from the wind, and stake early. Grow two plants for pollination. |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October to December | Plant out Oct to Dec once the frosts finish, as for tomatoes. Grow at least two plants for pollination. |
| Canterbury | November and December | Plant out Nov to Dec once the frosts finish in mid October, as for tomatoes. Grow at least two plants for pollination. |
| Otago & Southland | November and December | Plant out Nov to Dec after the last frost in late October, as for tomatoes. Grow at least two plants for pollination. |
| Central Otago | December | Plant out in December once the frosts are over, as for tomatoes. Grow at least two plants for pollination. |
Not to be confused with: Cape gooseberry, a close relative with a similar papery husk and small, sweet golden fruit, and tomato.
Where to plant
Plant tomatillos in full sun in well-drained soil, sheltered from strong wind. Rotate them with other crops and keep them out of beds where tomatoes, potatoes, capsicums or eggplants grew last season, as they are in the same family.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty: plant out from October once frosts are over.
- Wellington and Nelson: plant out from October to December in a warm spot out of the wind, and stake early.
- Central North Island and Canterbury: plant out in November and December, once the frosts finish.
- Otago and Southland: plant out in November or December after the last frost; in Central Otago, in December.
Choosing a variety
- Grande Verde is early, with large, bright green fruit up to about 90 g on sturdy plants.
- Large-fruited types such as Gigante, and the fruitier Pineapple tomatillo, are also grown.
- Purple tomatillos are sweeter and colourful in salsas.
How to plant
- Sow seed in trays of seed-raising mix in a warm spot in spring. Bottom heat helps germination.
- Transplant when the seedlings are about 7 cm tall, after hardening them off.
- Plant at least two plants about 60 cm apart, with rows 90 cm apart.
- Stake or cage them at planting, or let them sprawl in a sheltered spot.
- Water in well and mulch with bark or pea straw.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil moist most of the time, and water steadily once fruit is forming. Feed moderately; heavy nitrogen gives lots of leaf at the expense of fruit.
Pruning and care through the year
- Tie the brittle, sprawling stems to their supports as they grow.
- Staking matters in wet districts, as husks lying on wet soil rot.
- Check under the leaves for the tomato/potato psyllid, which also attacks tomatillos, and for whitefly and aphids.
Harvesting
Fruit is ready when it has filled out its husk and the husk splits open as it dries. Pick fruit while still green and firm for the sharpest flavour, or leave it a little longer to turn yellowish and sweeter. Unhusked fruit keeps for a couple of weeks in the fridge and freezes well.
Growing in pots
Tomatillos can be grown in large pots in full sun, two to a pot or two pots side by side for pollination. Stake them, water often and do not let the pot stand in water.
Companion planting
Tomatillos share the warm summer bed and most of their needs with tomatoes.
Good companions
- Basil Likes the same sun and watering, and flowers bring in bees.
- Marigold Brings in hoverflies and other helpful insects.
- Coriander Grown and used together for salsa verde.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to tomatillo.
Pests and diseases
Tomatillos are less disease prone than tomatoes but share their pests, especially the tomato/potato psyllid.
Pests to watch for
- Tomato/potato psyllid Tiny jumping insects and flat nymphs under the leaves, with white sugary granules; tips yellow and curl.
- Whitefly Tiny white insects flying up from under the leaves.
- Aphids Clusters of small insects on new growth.
Diseases to watch for
- Fusarium wilt Plants wilt and yellow from the base even when the soil is moist. Rotate beds.
Common questions
Why is my tomatillo flowering but not fruiting?
Tomatillos need cross-pollination, so a single plant sets little or no fruit. Grow at least two plants close together and encourage bees with flowers nearby.
When is a tomatillo ripe?
When the fruit has filled its husk and the husk starts to split and dry. Pick while green and firm for salsa verde, or later for a sweeter, yellower fruit.
Does the tomato/potato psyllid attack tomatillos?
Yes. Tomatillos are in the same family as tomatoes and potatoes. Check under the leaves regularly, and use fine mesh where the psyllid is a problem.
How do I use tomatillos?
Remove the husk, rinse off the sticky coating, and use them raw or roasted in salsa verde, sauces and stews.
Do tomatillos need staking?
It helps. The stems sprawl and are brittle, and husks lying on wet soil can rot, so stake or cage them as you would tomatoes.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow tomatillo; Kings Seeds: Tomatillo Grande Verde; Plant & Food Research: Controlling the tomato/potato psyllid in the home garden.