Heirloom Tomatillo Planting Guide: From Seed to Harvest

Tomatillos (Physalis ixocarpa), the zesty, greenish-purple fruits wrapped in papery husks, are a garden gem that have been prized in Mexican cuisine for centuries. Unlike tomatoes, to which they’re closely related, tomatillos offer a unique tanginess that brings a special depth to salsas, sauces, and many culinary dishes. Heirloom varieties of tomatillos are even more sought after for their vibrant flavors and traditional appeal. In this heirloom tomatillo planting guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for cultivating these flavorful fruits, from preparing your soil to harvesting and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing heirloom tomatillos can be a rewarding and fruitful experience.

Quick Start Heirloom Tomatillo Planting Guide – Complete Planting Guide Below

Heirloom / Open Pollinated Tomatillo may be direct seeded in long season climates, otherwise it is recommended to start indoors 4-6 wks. before last frost date. When direct seeding Tomatillos, plant ¼” deep. Plant in full sun or with afternoon shade in hot climates. Thin to 12-24″ apart. Heirloom / Open Pollinated Tomatillos like an average water supply. Tomatillo plants are self supporting, but do sprawl, so caging or trellising is recommended in small gardens. Heirloom / Open Pollinated Tomatillo fruits are mature when husks are light tan, and fruits split the husk.

The Complete Planting Guide for Heirloom Tomatillo: From Seed to Harvest

1. What Are Heirloom Tomatillos?

Heirloom tomatillos are varieties of the plant Physalis ixocarpa that have been cultivated for generations without hybridization, preserving unique characteristics and flavors. Heirloom tomatillos often boast more intense flavors than hybrids, with hints of citrus, tanginess, and sweetness. Unlike hybrid varieties, heirloom tomatillos are open-pollinated, meaning their seeds can be saved and planted year after year without losing the qualities of the parent plant. This makes them perfect for gardeners looking to create a sustainable and self-sufficient garden.

2. Selecting Heirloom Tomatillo Varieties

There are several heirloom tomatillo varieties to choose from, each with its own distinct characteristics. Here are a few popular ones:

• Amarylla: A Polish heirloom, this variety produces yellow, sweet-tasting fruits and is relatively easy to grow.
• Toma Verde: One of the more commonly grown heirloom types, it produces medium-sized green fruits that ripen to a yellowish hue.
• Purple de Milpa: This variety produces beautiful purple fruits with a sweet and slightly tart flavor, and it has origins in Mexican farming traditions.
• De Milpa: Known for its vigorous growth, it produces smaller green fruits with a powerful, tangy taste, perfect for salsa verde.

3. Preparing to Plant Heirloom Tomatillos

Choosing a Location

Heirloom tomatillos thrive in sunny locations with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Tomatillos can tolerate partial shade, but too little sun will result in weaker, less productive plants.

Soil Requirements

Heirloom tomatillos grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. To ensure optimal conditions, test your soil’s pH before planting. If it’s too acidic, you can add lime; if it’s too alkaline, add sulfur. Amending your soil with organic compost before planting will help provide the nutrients that tomatillos need to thrive.

Seed Starting and Transplanting

Starting your heirloom tomatillo plants indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date is the best way to give them a strong start. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep in small pots or seed trays filled with a high-quality seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F for optimal germination.

Once your seedlings have two to three sets of leaves, thin them out to the strongest plants. Allow them to grow indoors until outdoor temperatures are consistently above 50°F. When ready, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting them to their final location.

4. Planting Heirloom Tomatillos

Spacing

Tomatillos are sprawling plants that can grow up to 3-4 feet wide. Space each plant 2-3 feet apart to allow adequate airflow and space for growth. Proper spacing also helps to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, which can be a common issue in crowded garden beds.

Pollination

Unlike many other plants, heirloom tomatillos require cross-pollination between two or more plants to produce fruit. Plant at least two tomatillo plants near each other to ensure that they can pollinate each other effectively. If you’re planting multiple varieties, keep in mind that cross-pollination can occur between them, potentially affecting seed saving for specific heirloom traits.

5. Caring for Your Heirloom Tomatillos

Watering

Consistent watering is crucial for heirloom tomatillos, as irregular watering can lead to issues such as blossom end rot. Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Using mulch around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds from competing for resources.

Fertilizing

Heirloom tomatillos benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. A fertilizer with a ratio such as 5-10-10 is ideal, as tomatillos don’t need too much nitrogen, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. For organic gardening, you can also use compost tea or fish emulsion as an alternative fertilizer.

Staking

As tomatillos grow, their branches tend to sprawl, and the weight of the fruit can sometimes cause them to break. To support your plants, use tomato cages or stakes, gently tying the main stems to prevent them from drooping or breaking.

6. Harvesting Heirloom Tomatillos

Heirloom tomatillos are ready to harvest when their husks turn brown and start to split open, revealing the fruit inside. The fruits should feel firm but slightly soft to the touch, and they will often slip easily from the plant. Most varieties will be ready to harvest 75-100 days after transplanting.

Harvesting regularly will encourage the plant to produce more fruit. Don’t worry if your tomatillos fall off the plant; this is a sign they’re ready to be harvested. The taste of heirloom tomatillos improves after harvesting, so allow them to ripen at room temperature for a few days if they’re slightly under-ripe.

7. How to Use Heirloom Tomatillos

Heirloom tomatillos are versatile in the kitchen and can be used in both raw and cooked recipes. Here are a few popular ways to enjoy them:

• Salsa Verde: Tomatillos add a tangy base to traditional salsa verde. Simply blend tomatillos with cilantro, garlic, lime, and a touch of salt.
• Green Sauce for Tacos: Simmer tomatillos with onions, garlic, and green chiles, then blend for a creamy, flavorful taco sauce.
• Roasted Tomatillo Soup: Roasting heirloom tomatillos brings out their natural sweetness, making them perfect for soups and stews.

8. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Growing heirloom tomatillos can sometimes come with a few challenges. Here are some tips for addressing common issues:

• Fruit Not Setting: If your tomatillo plants aren’t producing fruit, make sure you have at least two plants for cross-pollination. This is essential for tomatillo fruit production.
• Small or Deformed Fruit: Insufficient watering or poor pollination can cause small or misshapen fruits. Ensure consistent watering and good airflow around plants.
• Yellowing Leaves: This can be due to nutrient deficiencies, especially a lack of nitrogen. A balanced fertilizer can help address yellowing leaves.

Managing Pests and Diseases in Heirloom Tomatillos

Heirloom tomatillos are relatively hardy plants but can still be affected by a variety of pests and diseases, especially in warm and humid climates. Managing these issues is essential to ensure a healthy, productive crop. Understanding the common pests and diseases that affect tomatillos and using both preventive and treatment strategies will help you cultivate strong, resilient plants. Here’s a guide to identifying and managing the most common issues that can impact your heirloom tomatillo plants.

1. Common Pests and How to Manage Them

Heirloom tomatillos attract certain pests that can damage leaves, stems, and fruits. Here are the most common pests and how to handle them effectively:

• Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects, aphids typically appear on the undersides of leaves and new growth, causing leaves to curl, yellow, or become distorted. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth.
  • Management: Remove aphids by spraying plants with a strong jet of water. For larger infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings can also help control aphid populations organically.
• Cutworms: These night-feeding caterpillars chew through young seedlings at the soil line, potentially killing small plants.
  • Management: Place collars around the base of young plants to deter cutworms. You can make collars from cardboard or plastic, burying them an inch or so into the soil. Regularly check your garden at night for signs of cutworms and remove them by hand.
• Flea Beetles: Tiny beetles that hop from plant to plant, flea beetles chew small, round holes in the leaves, which can weaken tomatillo plants and stunt growth, especially in young plants.
  • Management: Use row covers to protect young plants until they are well-established. Applying a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around the base of plants can deter flea beetles. Mulching can also help disrupt the flea beetle’s lifecycle.
• Hornworms: Tomato hornworms are large green caterpillars that chew through foliage, leaving stripped branches and visible droppings.
  • Management: Handpick hornworms off your plants and drop them into soapy water. Encouraging natural predators, like parasitic wasps, can help reduce hornworm populations. You can also use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a biological pesticide that targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.
• Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be hard to see but leave behind a telltale webbing on leaves. Spider mites suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to appear speckled and yellowed.
  • Management: Keep plants well-watered, as spider mites thrive in dry conditions. Rinse plants with a strong spray of water to dislodge mites, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a treatment if necessary.

2. Common Diseases and How to Manage Them

Several diseases can affect tomatillo plants, particularly in humid or rainy weather. Here’s a rundown of the most common diseases and how to address them:

• Early Blight: This fungal disease causes dark, concentric spots on older leaves, eventually leading to leaf drop. It typically appears in warm, wet weather and spreads quickly, especially if plants are densely spaced.
  • Management: Space plants adequately to ensure good air circulation and prune any dense foliage. Remove any affected leaves immediately and dispose of them away from the garden. Applying a copper-based fungicide at the first sign of blight can help slow the spread.
• Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, and it can weaken plants by blocking sunlight. It often spreads in warm, dry conditions, though high humidity can also contribute.
  • Management: Remove any affected leaves and provide adequate spacing to improve airflow. A homemade remedy of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, a few drops of liquid soap, and a gallon of water can be sprayed on plants as a preventive measure. Use commercial fungicides as a last resort if the infection is severe.
• Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt: Both of these fungal diseases cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, starting with the lower foliage and spreading upwards. The plant may become stunted and eventually die if the infection is severe.
  • Management: Unfortunately, there is no cure for wilt diseases. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent spread, and rotate crops regularly. If you suspect soil contamination, consider solarizing your soil by covering it with clear plastic during the hottest months to kill fungi.
• Bacterial Spot: Bacterial spot appears as small, water-soaked spots on leaves and stems. Over time, these spots enlarge and turn dark, giving the leaves a “shot-holed” appearance.
  • Management: Avoid overhead watering, which can spread the bacteria through splashing water. Remove and dispose of infected plant material, and consider using copper-based fungicides to prevent further spread.
• Root Rot: Caused by various soil-borne fungi, root rot is often a result of poor drainage and overwatering. Affected plants will have discolored, mushy roots and may wilt despite adequate watering.
  • Management: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If your garden has a history of root rot, consider planting in raised beds or adding organic matter to improve soil structure.

3. Preventive Measures for Healthy Heirloom Tomatillo Plants

Taking preventive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of pest and disease problems. Here are some effective strategies:

• Rotate Crops: Avoid planting tomatillos in the same area year after year, as this can encourage the buildup of pathogens and pests. Rotate tomatillos with unrelated crops (such as beans or leafy greens) each season.
• Provide Proper Spacing and Support: Spacing plants adequately improves airflow, which reduces humidity around the plants and helps prevent fungal diseases. Using tomato cages or stakes can keep branches off the ground, reducing the risk of soil-borne infections.
• Water Properly: Water plants at the base rather than overhead, as wet foliage can promote fungal and bacterial diseases. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and avoid standing water around plants.
• Use Mulch: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of tomatillo plants can help prevent soil from splashing onto the leaves, reducing the spread of soil-borne pathogens. Mulch also helps maintain consistent soil moisture, which can deter certain pests.
• Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspecting your plants for early signs of pests or disease can allow for prompt treatment before issues become severe. Check both the tops and undersides of leaves, as many pests tend to hide there.
• Practice Good Garden Hygiene: Clean up fallen leaves and plant debris at the end of each season, as these can harbor pests and diseases over winter. If you had plants affected by disease, remove and dispose of all plant material away from your compost.

By staying vigilant and employing these pest and disease management strategies, you can keep your heirloom tomatillo plants healthy and productive. Early intervention and preventive practices are key to managing a successful tomatillo crop, helping you enjoy an abundant harvest of these unique and flavorful fruits.

Storing and Preserving Heirloom Tomatillos

After a successful heirloom tomatillo harvest, proper storage and preservation techniques will ensure you enjoy the fruits of your labor long after the growing season ends. Fresh tomatillos can be stored for several weeks, but preserving them can extend their usability for months. Here’s a guide on how to store and preserve heirloom tomatillos effectively, including tips for freezing, canning, and making sauces that highlight their unique flavors.

1. Storing Fresh Heirloom Tomatillos

Freshly harvested tomatillos will keep well if stored correctly. Here’s how:

• In the Husk: If the husks are intact, you can store tomatillos with their husks on. Place them in a paper bag or a loosely closed plastic bag to allow some airflow, which prevents moisture buildup and mold. Store them in the refrigerator’s vegetable crisper drawer, where they’ll stay fresh for 2-3 weeks.
• Removing the Husk: If you plan to use your tomatillos soon, you can remove the husks and rinse the fruits to remove any sticky residue. After drying, store them in an airtight container or a plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about two weeks.
• Check Regularly: Tomatillos should be checked periodically for signs of spoilage, such as soft spots or mold. Remove any compromised fruits to prevent them from affecting others.

2. Freezing Tomatillos

Freezing is one of the easiest ways to preserve tomatillos, as it retains their flavor and texture well for later use in sauces, stews, and soups. Follow these steps for the best results:

• Prep the Tomatillos: Start by removing the husks and rinsing the tomatillos thoroughly to remove any sticky coating. Dry them with a clean towel.
• Blanch (Optional): Blanching is optional, but it can help preserve color and flavor. To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the tomatillos for about 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Drain and pat dry.
• Freeze Whole or Cut: You can freeze tomatillos whole or sliced, depending on your intended use. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together, then place them in the freezer for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Storage Duration: Frozen tomatillos will retain their quality for up to 8-10 months. They can be used directly from the freezer in recipes like soups, stews, and sauces.

3. Canning Tomatillos

Canning is an effective way to preserve tomatillos for a long shelf life, and it’s especially popular for making salsa verde. Here’s a basic guide to canning tomatillos safely:

• Prepare for Canning: Gather your canning jars, lids, and a large pot for a water bath. Sterilize jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes and keep them warm until ready to use.
• Create a Salsa or Sauce: Tomatillos can be canned whole, but they’re often used in sauces or salsas. Combine tomatillos with ingredients like garlic, onions, and green chilies for a basic salsa verde. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Fill the Jars: Carefully ladle the hot salsa or sauce into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal, then apply the lids and screw bands until finger-tight.
• Process in a Water Bath: Place the jars in a water bath canner, ensuring they are fully submerged in water. Bring the water to a boil and process pint jars for 15-20 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).
• Cool and Store: Once processed, remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a towel or rack. After cooling, check the seals by pressing on the lids; a properly sealed lid won’t flex up and down. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within a week.

4. Dehydrating Tomatillos

Dehydrating is another option for preserving tomatillos, especially if you want to use them in powdered form or add them to dishes like soups and stews:

• Slice the Tomatillos: Remove the husks, rinse, and pat the tomatillos dry. Slice them into ¼-inch rounds to ensure even drying.
• Use a Dehydrator or Oven: Arrange the tomatillo slices on dehydrator trays, making sure they’re spaced out for good airflow. Set the dehydrator to 135°F and dry for 8-12 hours or until the slices are brittle and fully dried. Alternatively, you can dry them in the oven at its lowest temperature, with the door slightly ajar for ventilation.
• Store in Airtight Containers: Once fully dried, store the tomatillo slices in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dried tomatillos can last up to a year and can be rehydrated in soups, ground into powder, or used as seasoning in various recipes.

5. Making and Storing Tomatillo-Based Condiments

If you’re a fan of sauces, preserving tomatillos as salsa verde or hot sauces is a great option for year-round enjoyment:

• Salsa Verde: Tomatillos make an excellent base for salsa verde. Blend fresh or roasted tomatillos with garlic, onions, lime juice, and cilantro. The salsa can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen in freezer-safe jars or bags for longer storage. Frozen salsa verde can last up to 6 months and is great for adding a fresh, tangy flavor to dishes even in the off-season.
• Hot Sauce: For a more intense flavor, make a tomatillo-based hot sauce by blending tomatillos with hot peppers, vinegar, garlic, and salt. This mixture can be stored in sterilized glass jars and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

6. Pickling Tomatillos

Pickling is an easy and tasty way to preserve heirloom tomatillos and gives them a tangy, crunchy texture perfect for garnishes, salads, and sandwiches:

• Prepare the Brine: Make a brine with equal parts water and vinegar, along with salt, sugar, and your choice of spices (like garlic, dill, or peppercorns).
• Pack the Jars: Remove the husks, rinse, and cut the tomatillos into halves or quarters. Pack them tightly into sterilized jars, then pour the hot brine over the tomatillos, leaving ½ inch of headspace.
• Refrigerate or Process: For quick pickles, seal the jars and refrigerate them; they’ll be ready to eat in a few days and will keep for up to a month. For longer shelf-life, process the jars in a water bath for 10-15 minutes.

With these storage and preservation methods, you can enjoy the bright, tangy flavor of heirloom tomatillos long after the harvest season. Whether you prefer canning, freezing, dehydrating, or pickling, preserving tomatillos ensures they remain a staple in your kitchen year-round.

Saving Seeds from Heirloom Tomatillos

Saving seeds from heirloom tomatillos is a rewarding practice that allows gardeners to preserve specific flavors, growth characteristics, and traits of their favorite plants year after year. Unlike hybrid tomatillos, which may produce unpredictable results, heirloom varieties are open-pollinated, meaning the seeds will grow plants with the same attributes as the parent plant. Saving seeds not only fosters sustainability but also helps gardeners develop a deeper connection with their plants. Here’s a comprehensive guide to saving and storing heirloom tomatillo seeds effectively.

1. Selecting the Right Plants and Fruits for Seed Saving

The quality of the seeds you save is highly dependent on the plants and fruits you select. Follow these guidelines for the best results:

• Choose Healthy Plants: Start by identifying healthy, vigorous tomatillo plants in your garden that are free of disease and show strong growth. Selecting plants that are robust and productive ensures that these desirable traits are passed on to future generations.
• Select Fully Ripe Fruits: Wait until the end of the growing season when the tomatillos are fully mature. The best time to collect seeds is when the fruits have ripened completely, often indicated by a change in color (green tomatillos may turn yellowish) and a slight softening. Additionally, the papery husks around the fruit should be dry and may start to split open. This signals that the tomatillo has reached full maturity and contains viable seeds.
• Avoid Cross-Pollination: If you are growing multiple heirloom varieties, be aware that tomatillos are open-pollinated and rely on insects for pollination. This can lead to cross-pollination between different varieties, which may produce plants with mixed traits. To maintain the purity of a specific heirloom variety, grow only one type or space plants far apart and save seeds from those that appear to retain the true characteristics of your preferred variety.

2. Harvesting and Preparing the Seeds

Once you have selected your ripe tomatillos, it’s time to harvest and extract the seeds. Here’s how:

• Extract the Seeds: Cut each tomatillo fruit in half horizontally and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds into a bowl. Tomatillo seeds are tiny and coated in a gel-like substance, which needs to be removed for proper storage.
• Separate the Pulp: As you gather the seeds in the bowl, you’ll notice they are mixed with pulp and juice. This sticky coating contains germination inhibitors that need to be removed to improve the chances of successful planting.

3. Fermentation to Clean and Prepare the Seeds

Fermentation is a common technique for cleaning tomato and tomatillo seeds. It helps remove the gel around each seed and also kills potential seedborne pathogens. Follow these steps to ferment your tomatillo seeds:

• Add Water and Soak: Pour a small amount of water into the bowl with the seeds and pulp. The mixture should be roughly one part seeds and pulp to one part water.
• Allow Fermentation to Occur: Place the bowl in a warm, out-of-direct-sunlight area for 1-3 days. Stir the mixture once or twice daily to prevent mold from forming on the surface. During this time, natural fermentation will break down the gel, and the viable seeds will begin to separate from the pulp.
• Watch for Signs of Fermentation Completion: After a day or two, you should notice a thin layer of mold or pulp forming on the surface of the water, and viable seeds will sink to the bottom. This is a sign that the fermentation process is complete.

4. Rinsing and Drying the Seeds

Once the seeds have finished fermenting, it’s time to clean and dry them thoroughly:

• Strain the Seeds: Pour off the moldy water and any remaining pulp carefully, being cautious not to pour off the seeds at the bottom. Transfer the remaining contents to a fine-mesh sieve and rinse the seeds under running water to remove any remaining debris or gel. Rub them gently with your fingers to ensure they are thoroughly clean.
• Dry the Seeds: Spread the cleaned seeds on a paper towel, coffee filter, or a plate in a single layer. Place them in a well-ventilated, shaded area to dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can damage the seeds. Leave them to dry for at least a week, until they are completely dry and brittle to the touch. Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold and spoilage during storage.

5. Storing Heirloom Tomatillo Seeds

After the seeds are completely dry, proper storage is essential for maintaining their viability. Here’s how to store them effectively:

• Label the Seeds: Before storing, label your seeds with the variety name, date of harvest, and any specific traits you observed (such as fruit color, size, or flavor). Proper labeling is important, especially if you plan to save seeds from multiple tomatillo varieties or other plants.
• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Place the dried seeds in a paper envelope or a small glass jar with an airtight lid. Seed packets or paper envelopes are ideal for allowing slight air circulation, which helps prevent moisture build-up. If you use a glass jar, add a small packet of silica gel to control moisture.
• Avoid Humidity and Heat: Store your seed packets in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or refrigerator. Excessive heat or moisture can reduce seed viability, so aim for a consistent temperature of around 40°F to 50°F if possible. Under proper storage conditions, tomatillo seeds can remain viable for up to five years.

6. Testing Seed Viability Before Planting

If you’re storing seeds for multiple seasons, it can be helpful to test their viability before planting. Here’s a quick method to check:

• Sprout Test: Place a small number of seeds (10-20) on a damp paper towel, fold it, and place it in a plastic bag. Keep the bag in a warm place and check after a week or two to see how many seeds have sprouted. A high germination rate (around 80% or more) indicates the seeds are still viable, while a lower rate may mean it’s time to save fresh seeds.

Benefits of Saving Heirloom Tomatillo Seeds

Saving seeds from heirloom tomatillos not only allows you to enjoy your favorite varieties year after year but also contributes to biodiversity and resilience in your garden. By saving seeds from plants that thrive in your specific environment, you’re gradually selecting plants that are naturally better adapted to your local growing conditions. Additionally, as you continue to save seeds, you’ll notice subtle variations in traits, allowing you to cultivate a unique tomatillo crop tailored to your tastes and preferences.

By following this guide to saving and storing heirloom tomatillo seeds, you’re not only preserving a piece of agricultural heritage but also ensuring a sustainable, reliable source of seeds for future plantings. This practice connects you more deeply to the rhythm of your garden and lets you cultivate tomatillos that are truly your own, season after season.

Conclusion

Growing heirloom tomatillos can be a delightful addition to any garden. With the right conditions, proper planting, and attentive care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, tangy fruits that elevate your cooking. By following this heirloom tomatillo planting guide, you’ll have the know-how to cultivate these unique fruits successfully. Embrace the process, experiment with different heirloom varieties, and enjoy the journey from planting to harvest and beyond.

FAQ: Heirloom Tomatillo Planting Guide