Tomatillo Seeds - Toma Verda Heirloom Garden Seeds

Tomatilla Seeds - Heirloom Toma Verde Garden Seeds Plant Basics: Germination: 3-10 days
 Harvest: 65-75 days Plant Size: 3-4ft wide x 3-4ft high Plant Depth: 1/4 inch- 1/2 inch Spacing: 2-3ft plants; 4-5ft rows Sun: Full sun 8+ hours Yield: 1.5-2in fruit Tomatillos are also referred to as the Mexican husk tomato or Mexican ground cherry. The plants are an interesting addition to the garden landscape with very unique looking fruits, similar to the Chinese lantern flower. Tomatillos are ready to harvest at about 65 days. The fruit will be plump and somewhat sticky. The best indication of ripeness is the outer husk, which will begin to dry out and turn brown. They may begin to fall off the plant. Growing Instructions: 1) Direct sow: In spring after last frost date or threat of frost has passed. *Tomatillos are especially sensitive to cold and frost. Plant seeds directly into soil at 1/4 - 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil moist but not overly wet. (The surface of the soil can dry out but shouldn't dry out deeper than 1/4 inch. Alternately, the soil should not be "muddy" or have any standing water.) After seeds germinate, thin them to desired spacing, or around 2-3 feet. Tomatillo plants will spread widely and require caging to keep them upright and somewhat compact. 2) Transplant: *Recommended* (especially in northern areas and other areas with shorter growing seasons) Start seeds indoors in spring around 6 weeks before last frost date. Planting 1/4- 1/2in deep in starting mix in container or tray. Cover the container or tray loosely with plastic to retain moisture. Place in a warm spot (80 degrees+ is ideal. Placing heating mats under plants helps speed up germination time.) After seeds germinate, remove plastic covering and continue to keep soil moist but not overly wet. Grow lights are a good addition at this point, especially if seedlings do not receive a lot of direct sunlight. Keep plants as close to grow lights as possible but not closer than 2-3 inches. (Soil will dry out quicker under the grow lights.) Move plants to larger containers after they've grown 2 sets of true leaves. At this point, I like to use a tabletop fan pointed at the plants help prepare them for outdoor conditions. About 1-2 weeks before you plan to transplant outdoors, start to harden the plants off by placing them outside. Start in the shade for an hour or two and extend the time each day, gradually exposing them to more sunlight, until they can be left outside for several hours in direct sunlight. Transplant after threat of frost has passed and soil temp is around 60-65 degrees. Tomatillo plants will spread widely and require caging to keep them upright and somewhat compact. Early Planting Tips: Remove any blossoms that form before transplanting and any that emerge in the first several weeks. (Even if it's SO difficult to make yourself do this!) The plants will acclimate to their new environment better and use resources to grow stronger and fuller and produce a much larger harvest mid and late season. I like to mulch around the plants with about an inch of mulch, leaving a couple of inches diameter around the base of the plants. (We use grass and leaf clippings for this, but anything garden-friendly will work.) Covering the ground between the plants with tarps, cardboard, or similar will help keep the soil warm if temperatures still get cold at night. If frost is possible after transplanting, cover plants with sheets or tarps not heavy enough to damage branches or leaves. Tomatillo plants grow quickly and spread widely so be sure to cage them early! Eating: Salsa Verde! Tomatillos are the main ingredient in this tangy and zesty dish.They also taste great in pico de gallo. We like to roast them for soups and use them in gazpacho. Tomatillos have an earthy and slightly tart taste when eaten raw. All of our seeds are: •GMO Free •Open Pollinator •American grown FREE SHIPPING - orders of $35+ $3.99 flat-rate shipping on all orders under $35. Additional growing instructions, tips and recipes on our website. Growing information provided for informational purposes only. Please message with any questions.