Physalis ixocarpa
tomatillo
A lax, branching annual with serrated leaves growing to 1.2m tall and wide. Yellow summer flowers with brown centres are followed by rounded edible fruit to 7cm in diameter surrounded by a thin, paper-like husk; fruits ripen from green to yellow or purple
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Brown | Green | Green Yellow Purple | |
| Autumn | Green | Green Yellow Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Only the berries are edible, other plant parts can cause mild stomach upset if eaten. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- Genus
Physalis can be annuals or rhizomatous perennials with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and small bell-shaped flowers in the leaf axils, followed by fleshy, sometimes edible, yellow, red or purple berries, enclosed in enlarged, often colourful, calyces
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow seed indoors in early spring. Grow on in a cool greenhouse, or outdoors in milder areas once all risk of frost has passed. Needs well-drained soil in a sunny position and support for the lax branches. Feed every 10-14 days with a balanced liquid fertiliser before switching to a high potassium liquid feed once the first fruits have set
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally problem free
Diseases
Generally problem free
Get involved
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