Grow and Save Tomatillo Seeds

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How to Grow Tomatillos

This sprawling nightshade produces many husk-swaddled fruits. Saving seeds from tomatillo is as easy as saving seeds from tomatoes!

When to Start Indoors

Tomatillo is a frost-sensitive, warm season crop. Sow tomatillo seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Plant tomatillo seeds ¼” deep into small containers full of potting soil.

Time to Germination

1-2 weeks

When to Transplant Outdoors

Transplant outdoors in a sunny spot after all danger of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm.

Spacing Requirements

Most varieties have a bushy growing habit and require ample space to grow, so space your plants 24 to 48” apart.

Special Considerations

Plants may be staked or trellised to keep foliage off the ground and to contain the plants.

Common Pests and Diseases

Tomatillo plants are susceptible to early blight, anthracnose, late blight, and tobacco mosaic virus, among other diseases. Take care to rotate crops in your garden and remove diseased plants promptly.

When and How to Harvest

Tomatillo come in various sizes and colors. All varieties have a netted, papery husk around the fruit that begins to dry when fruits are maturing. Harvest tomatillo when they are firm to the touch but seem to give a little. Ripe fruits will pull easily from the plant.

Eating

Tomatillo can be sliced into a fresh salsa, canned as a salsa verde sauce, or pureed to make a sauce for carnitas or tacos. Fruits can also be broiled and pureed with chili peppers for a different take on salsa verde. If you are given a bumper crop of tomatillo, try canning a green salsa at home.

Storing

Store tomatillos at room temperature. Fruits will continue to ripen after being picked if they are stored in a warm place.

How to Save Tomatillo Seeds

Life Cycle

Annual

Recommended Isolation Distance

When saving seeds from tomatillo, separate varieties by 800-1,600 feet.

Recommended Population Sizes

Plant at least 5 tomatillos to ensure viable seed. When maintaining a variety over time, save seeds from between 20-50 plants.

Assessing Seed Maturity

Tomatillo seeds are ripe when the fruit is ready to eat.

Harvesting

To save seeds from tomatillos, squeeze out the pulp and seeds from the inside of the fruit.

Cleaning and Processing

To separate the seeds from the surrounding pulp, seeds and pulp should be fermented. Put the pulp and seeds and a little bit of water in a small container. Leave this container to sit for at least one day. A cap of mold will form on the mixture and good seeds will sink to the bottom. After a few days, skim off the mold and any floating seeds and then add clean water to the mixture. Decant the liquid from the sunken, viable seeds. Repeat this process until most of the pulp is washed away. Pour the seeds into a mesh strainer and give the seeds a final rinse under running water.

Lay the tomatillo seeds out on a screen or coffee filter to dry. Seeds are dry enough for storage when they can be cracked cleanly in half.

Storage and Viability

When stored in a cool, dry place, tomatillo seeds will remain viable for six years.