Spice up your garden with a salsa essential!
Tomatillo Verde is the classic green tomatillo that brings bold, tangy flavor to homemade salsa verde. These prolific plants are easy to grow and produce loads of bright green fruits wrapped in papery husks. Whether you’re roasting them for sauce or tossing them on the grill, they’re a must-have for any gardener who loves fresh, zesty cooking.
Variety: Verde Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa)
Growth Habit: Upright, warm-season annual
Height: 36–48 inches
Flavor Profile: Tart, citrusy, and bright
Color: Green fruit inside husks that split when ripe
Planting Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Ready in 70–80 days
Uses: Salsa verde, enchiladas, roasting, grilling
Fun Fact: Tomatillos are self-incompatible, plant at least two for a fruitful harvest!
Tomatillo Verde is the heart and soul of authentic salsa verde. Roast them with garlic and jalapeños for a smoky dip, or simmer them into a tangy sauce for enchiladas. Their bright flavor cuts through rich dishes and adds a fresh twist to tacos, stews, and more. With their generous yields, you’ll have plenty to share, or freeze for later!
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Plant in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost. Transplant outdoors once the soil is warm, spacing 24 inches apart.
💧 Water Consistently: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
🌿 Support and Maintain: Use cages or stakes to support the plant and keep fruit off the ground.
✂️ Harvest: Pick when husks split and the fruit is firm and green. Let them ripen a few days off the vine for peak flavor.
