Edible Plants of the World

Tomatillo, Ground cherry

A tropical plant. In the Andes it occurs at 800-3,200 m altitude. The plants are frost tender. They need a sunny frost free position. They need to be protected from strong winds. They need well drained soil. They can grow on poor sandy soil. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 7-11.

Also known as:

Husk-tomato, Jamberry, Miltomate, Tomate de milpa, Tomate verde

Synonyms

Edible Portion

Where does Tomatillo grow?

Found in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Central America, China, Colombia, East Africa, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Hawaii, Lesser Antilles, Mexico, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, Panama, Portugal, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Ukraine, United States, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Notes: There are about 75-100 Physalis species.

Status: It is commonly used in Mexican cooking. It is cultivated.

Growing Tomatillo, Ground cherry

Cultivation: Plants are grown from seed. There are about 250 seeds per gram. Small seeds like this are often best sown mixed with some fine soil to achieve even planting. Plants can be grown from one year old stem cuttings. Such plants flower earlier but are less vigorous than seedlings. Plants are self pollinating. Pollination can be improved by lightly shaking plants or giving them a spraying with water. Plants need constant watering to get a good crop. Little fertiliser is needed. Fertiliser can promote vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.

Edible Uses: The fruit are used in sauces. The fruit is also used fresh or cooked. They can be stewed or fried.

Production: Fruit are harvested when they fall to the ground.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part Energy (kcal) Protein (g) Iron (mg) Vitamin A (ug) Vitamin c (mg) Zinc (mg) % Water
- - - - - -

References

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