By Ronnie Dauber, Garden Guides Contributor
About Tomatillos
This annual vegetable is a Mexican favorite and the very core for
cooking authentic green salsa sauce.
Site Preparation
The tomatillo grows best in full sun and in a location where it is
not crowded but rather open to free air circulation. The soil needs
to be well-drained and should be cultivated with plenty of compost
and well rotted manure. Avoid excess nitrogen.
Special Features
The tomatillo has the appearance of a small green tomato and bears
most of the same growing characteristics. However, there are two
main differences between the tomatillo and the tomato: The
tomatillo has a papery husk instead of the thin skin of the tomato,
and a harder rather than softer flesh. Where the tomato isn't ripe
until it turns red, tomatillos are fully ripe just prior to turning
red. Once they have changed color, they are overripe and begin to
rot.
Choosing a Variety
The tomatillo is a derivative of the tomato, and this is the actual
name for this variety of tomato.
Planting
The tomatillo seeds can be started indoors about 6 to 8 weeks prior
to the last spring frost. Place 2 to 3 seeds in every 1-inch cell
and once the seeds germinate, thin them out to 1 seedling per cell.
Cover the seeds with Ã'¼ inch of soil and keep
them where the temperature will remain a constant 70 to 80 degrees
F. It might be necessary to provide a growing light once the
seedlings are developed to prevent the plants from becoming
scraggly. When the plants have 2 or 3 sets of leaves, transplant
them into larger pots (2 or 3 inch squared). Fertilize with a
water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks starting at half strength
and increasing to full strength over the next 6 weeks. Transplant
the Tomatillos outdoors only after all danger of the last frost is
passed, as they are very susceptible to frost damage. Space the
plants 24 to 36 inches apart with rows at least 36 to 48 inches
apart.
Care
Tomatillos require regular feeding during the growing season with
compost tea or a well-balanced fertilizer. They require even
moisture during the fruit set and development. Avoid excess
watering because while it can increase the fruit size, it will
decrease the fruit flavor.
Harvest and Storage
Pick the tomatillo fruit when it is firm and just starting to turn
red. If they are left on the vine and begin to change color, they
will rot very quickly. The fruit can be used fresh or preserved in
salsa sauce.
