Tomatillos & Ground Cherries

Physalis spp.

Days to maturity are calculated from date of transplant.

Culture
• Fertile, well drained, raised beds covered with plastic mulch promote early growth and better yields
• Tomatillos & Ground Cherries are high feeders and will benefit from regular fertilization with Age Old Bloom
• Overwatering can cause fruit to crack

Direct Sowing
• Not recommended

Transplanting
• Sow seeds in trays 6-8 weeks before anticipated transplant date; transplant into 3-4 inch pots when the first set of true leaves appears
• Strong light and cooler temperatures (60-70°F) prevent plants from getting leggy
• Fertilize with Age Old Grow every 10-14 days
• When transplanting work in compost, 1/2 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer, and handful of bone meal
• Can be buried up to the top 2 sets of leaves
• Use Kozy-Coats or Victorian Bell Cloches to protect young plants

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Flea beetles and tomato hornworms
• Insect control: Pyrethrin or row cover for flea beetles, and Monterey B.t. for tomato hornworms
• Common diseases: Early and late blight
• Disease prevention: A strict 3-4 year rotation, remove vines at the end of the year, fungicide

Harvest & Storage
Ground Cherries
• The fruit should be fully ripe before eating. Watch for the husks to turn dry and papery. The fruit will turn yellow and fall to the ground.
• Do not refrigerate for best flavor. Keep the husk on and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks
• Freeze for future use: Remove the husk, rinse the fruit, then freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container
Tomatillos
• Ripe when papery husk has turned tan and dried up or folded back to reveal plump fruit that is firm and fills the husk
• Fruit will become watery and soft if left on the plant too long; check once or twice a week during harvest season
• Store in a cool, well-ventilated area at 50°F-60°F and 60% humidity; do not refrigerate for best flavor
• Freeze for later use

Seed Count
• Tomatillo: approximately 60-65 seeds per 1/8 gram, about 500 seeds per gram
• Ground cherry: approximately 150 seeds per 1/8 gram, about 1200 seeds per gram; 7 grams per 1/4 ounce