Fresh tomatillos can be hard to come by in the grocery store. But they’re easy to grow at home, and with creativity, you can even grow them in a small space. This guide will look at how to grow tomatillos in containers and enjoy these delicious little fruits.
They are a nightshade family member and are related to tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. Tomatillos are small, green fruits that are encased in a papery husk. Native to Mexico, you will find the acidic flavor popular in Mexican cuisine. But will they grow well in containers?
Do Tomatillos Grow Well In Pots?
Tomatillos are fun and easy-to-grow plants that can do well in pots. They are native to Mexico and Central America and have been cultivated for centuries. The plant grows to about two feet tall and has small, dark green leaves.
The fruit is about the size of a grape tomato and has a paper-like husk around it. Tomatillos are related to tomatoes but have a unique tart and tangy flavor. When growing tomatillos in pots, be sure to use a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep.
The plants need room to grow and produce more fruit if they have plenty of space. Be sure to water the plants regularly and fertilize them every few weeks.
How Big Of A Container Do Tomatillos Need?
If you’re thinking of growing tomatillos at home, one of the first questions you might have is how big of a container do they need? The answer is: not very big at all! A 12-inch pot will do just fine for one plant.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom, so the plant doesn’t get waterlogged. With proper care, your tomatillo plant will produce plenty of fruit to enjoy all season long.
So, How To Grow Tomatillos In Containers?
Now that you know more about tomatillos and how to grow them in containers, it’s time to start your plants.
Step 1: Choose A Pot At Least 12 Inches Wide And Deep.
Remember, the bigger the pot, the more fruit your plant can produce. But it does need to have drainage holes in the bottom. The thumb rule is to get a pot size about 12 inches wide and deep for each tomatillo plant.
Step 2: Fill The Pot With A High-Quality Potting Mix.
Tomatillos need rich, well-draining soil to do their best. You can make your potting mix or buy a high-quality one from the store. Avoid using garden soil in pots as it can be too heavy and cause drainage problems.
Step 3: Sow The Seeds About ¼ Inch Deep.
You can start tomatillo seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Or, you can wait to sow the seeds directly in the pot when the soil has warmed. To start indoors, sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix about ¼ inch deep. Place the pot in a warm spot and keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate in about ten days.
Once the seedlings have two sets of leaves, transplant them into individual pots. Tomatillo seedlings can be sensitive to transplanting, so be careful not to damage the roots.
Step 4: Transplant The Seedlings Into The Pot When They Are About 6 To 8 Weeks Old.
Carefully transfer the seedlings into the prepared pot, careful not to damage the roots. Water well and place the pot in a sunny spot.
Step 5: Water Regularly And Fertilize Every Few Weeks.
Tomatillos need to be kept evenly moist but not soggy. Let the top dry soil dry before watering again. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to keep them healthy and produce lots of fruit.
Step 6: Enjoy The Fruits Of Your Labor!
The fruits will mature about 60 to 70 days after planting. To harvest, wait until the husks turn brown and begin to split open. Gently twist the fruit off the plant and enjoy!
Remember, with care; you can enjoy fresh tomatillos from your patio or balcony all season long. Here’s a quick organic Container gardening guide for you!
Do Tomatillos Need Two Plants To Fruit?
No need to go out and buy two tomatillo plants! One plant will provide you with all the fruit you need. However, if you have two plants, they will cross-pollinate, and the fruit will be more flavorful.
Tomatillos are self-fertile, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive parts. This means that the flowers can pollinate themselves, although cross-pollination with another plant will produce a more vigorous plant with higher yields.
So, while you only need one plant to get fruit, two plants will give you a tastier crop! Do you know about the cool recycled container vegetable gardening?
Do Tomatillos Need A Trellis?
To grow tomatillos, start by planting seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in your area. When transplanting seedlings outside, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Tomatillos are fast-growing plants that can reach up to six feet in height.
Because of their size, they may need support in the form of a trellis or cage. Otherwise, tomatillos are relatively low-maintenance plants. Water them regularly, and fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
With proper care, tomatillos will be ready to harvest in about two months. Whether you enjoy them fresh or cooked, homegrown tomatillos are sure to add some zest to your meals!
How Long Does It Take For A Tomatillo Plant To Produce?
If you’re thinking about planting a tomatillo plant, you might be wondering how long it will take before you can start harvesting the fruit. The good news is that tomatillo plants are relatively fast-growing.
And it’s usually only a matter of weeks before you’ll start to see tomatillos on the plant. Once the plant flowers, it typically takes around six to eight weeks for the fruit to mature. However, this can vary depending on the variety of tomatillos and growing conditions.
So if you’re impatient to enjoy homegrown tomatillos, a little research beforehand can help you choose a variety that matures quickly. With patience and care, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatillos in no time.
Back To You
Growing tomatoes in pots is a great way to enjoy the fruits of your labor without wasting too much space. Do you know what vegetables grow in shallow containers and the vegetables that grow well together?
