trefle.io · Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Chris Burton (cc-by-sa)
Solanaceae
Husk-tomato
Physalis philadelphica
Also known as Ground cherry, Tomatillo, Mexican husk tomato, Physalis megistocarpos
Edibles & Herbs · Native Plants · Tomatillo · Husk Tomato · Edible · Vegetable Garden · Mexican Cuisine · Annual · Fruiting Plant · Solanaceae · Salsa Verde · Pollinator-Friendly
Physalis philadelphica, commonly called tomatillo or husk-tomato, is an easy-to-grow garden edible that produces small, tangy fruits wrapped in papery husks, widely used in Mexican cuisine. It does best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and regular watering, and benefits from staking or caging as plants can sprawl. Plant at least two individuals nearby for cross-pollination and a more reliable fruit set.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 6 hours
- Watering
- Water moderately to keep soil evenly moist; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot · Every 5-7 days during the growing season; reduce once fruits are setting
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Temperature
- 50°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed
Hardiness
USDA 8a-12b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 6 ft
- Spread
- 2 ft
- Spacing
- 18 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Deep
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Angola, Arizona, Belgium, Belize, Bulgaria, Central European Rus, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Illinois, Kentucky, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Leeward Is., Manchuria, Maryland
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies
Sources: trefle, usda
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