What Does a Tomatillo Plant Look Like?
Tomatillos are round fruits that are covered in a papery husk. They look like hanging lanterns while growing. The conventional green tomatillo turns either apple-green or yellow when fully ripe. The purple tomatillo, pictured here, starts off green and turns a dusky eggplant color.

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In this regard, what does a tomatillo look like?

Tomatillos are related to tomatoes, which are in the Nightshade family. They are similar in shape but are ripe when green, yellow or purple and have a husk around the fruit. The fruits are borne on warm season plants, from inside the husk. You can tell when to pick a tomatillo by watching for the husk to burst.

Additionally, how do tomatillos grow? Since tomatillos have a long growing season, they can be started indoors up to eight weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and space seedling 18-24 inches apart in rows set 3 to 4 feet apart when transplanting. Tomatillos also grow well in pots and can be planted in 5-gallon buckets.

Likewise, how long does a tomatillo plant last?

If the fruits feel like mini marbles inside loose husks, wait awhile, but harvest before they turn pale yellow, as they become seedier and their flavor loses the desired tanginess as they ripen. Store harvested tomatillos in their husks at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

How many tomatillo plants do I need?

Tomatillos are tart green fruits wrapped in a papery husk. Tomatillo plants require cross-pollination, so you must plant at least two plants. Bees and other pollinators will be attracted to your tomatillo plants' yellow blossoms.

Related Question Answers

How do I know when tomatillos are ripe?

Tomatillos are ready to harvest when the papery husk surrounding the fruit turns from green to tan and begins to split; the fruit itself will be bright green, purple, or yellow depending on the variety. A mature tomatillo will be the size of a cherry tomato or slightly larger.

What makes tomatillos sticky?

You'll notice that the tomatillos themselves are sticky underneath the husk. That sticky stuff contains some chemicals called withanolides, which, along with the husk, help ward off insects.
Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.