Husk-tomato

Husk-tomato

Physalis philadelphica

Physalis
Solanaceae
Edibles & Herbs
Zone 812
🌱 Beginner 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.

Care Requirements

Care Level

Low

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

Moderate

Growth Rate

Moderate

Mature Height

12″ – 72″

Soil

loam

Life Cycle

Perennial

Spacing

18

Watering Schedule

Every 5-7 Days During The Growing Season; Reduce Once Fruits Are Setting • Water Moderately To Keep Soil Evenly Moist; Avoid Overwatering To Prevent Root Rot

Temperature

50°95°F

Mature Spread

up to 24

Root Depth

Deep

Foliage

Medium

Propagation: Seed

Ecology & Origin

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
Safety & Use
🍳 Culinary

Sources

Data: trefle, usda

Image: trefle.io — Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Chris Burton (cc-by-sa)

Hardiness Zones
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Available From (0)

No nurseries currently have this species in stock.