How Quickly Does Tomatillo Plant Grow?

Tomatillos, also known as Mexican husk tomatoes, are a popular vegetable in Mexican cuisine. They have a tart, citrusy flavor and are commonly used in salsas, sauces, and other dishes. If you’re interested in growing tomatillos in your garden, it’s important to understand how quickly they grow and what factors can influence their growth rate. In this article, we will explore the growth stages of a tomatillo plant and provide some tips for promoting healthy growth.

Germination Stage

The first stage of a tomatillo plant’s growth is germination. Tomatillo seeds typically take about 7 to 14 days to germinate. Factors such as temperature and moisture levels can affect the germination time. It’s important to ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged during this stage. Planting the seeds in a warm environment with temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) can help promote quicker germination.

Seedling Stage

Once the tomatillo seeds have germinated, they will begin to develop into seedlings. During this stage, the seedlings will start producing their first true leaves and establish a stronger root system. The seedling stage usually lasts for about 2-3 weeks.

It is essential to provide adequate light for the seedlings during this stage. Placing them in a sunny location or using artificial grow lights will help ensure they receive enough light. If you’re growing them indoors, consider placing them near a south-facing window where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Vegetative Stage

After the seedling stage, the tomatillo plants enter the vegetative stage. This is when they will experience rapid growth and produce more leaves and branches. The duration of the vegetative stage can vary depending on growing conditions and cultivar, but it typically lasts for about 6-8 weeks.

To promote healthy growth during the vegetative stage, it’s crucial to provide the tomatillo plants with sufficient nutrients and water. Applying a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio, once every two weeks can help ensure they have access to essential nutrients. Additionally, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged is important for their overall health.

Flowering Stage

Once the tomatillo plants have reached maturity, they will enter the flowering stage. This is when they start producing beautiful yellow flowers that will eventually develop into fruit. The flowering stage typically occurs around 8-10 weeks after sowing the seeds.

During the flowering stage, it’s crucial to ensure that the plants receive adequate pollination. Tomatillos are self-incompatible, which means they require cross-pollination from another tomatillo plant or a closely related species, such as tomatoes or ground cherries. Encouraging pollinators, such as bees or butterflies, to visit your garden can help facilitate this process. If you’re growing tomatillos indoors, you may need to manually pollinate the flowers using a small brush or cotton swab.

Fruit Development Stage

After successful pollination, the flowers of the tomatillo plant will begin to develop into fruit. The fruit development stage typically takes around 4-6 weeks. As the fruit grows, it will be enclosed in a papery husk that eventually splits open when the fruit is ripe.

During this stage, it’s important to provide consistent watering to ensure that the fruit develops properly. Irregular watering can lead to cracking or splitting of the fruit. It’s also recommended to provide support for the heavy branches by staking or using cages to prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight of the fruit.

Harvesting

Tomatillos are ready to harvest when the husks turn light green or tan, and the fruit fills out. The fruit should be firm and slightly sticky to the touch. Depending on the cultivar, it usually takes about 70-100 days from seed sowing to harvest.

To harvest tomatillos, simply remove them from the plant by twisting or cutting the stem close to the fruit. It’s best to harvest them when they are fully ripe for the most flavor. However, if you prefer a more tart taste, you can harvest them when they are still slightly immature.

Conclusion

Growing tomatillo plants can be a rewarding experience, especially for those who enjoy cooking with fresh ingredients. Understanding the different growth stages of tomatillos and providing optimal growing conditions can help ensure a successful harvest. From germination to harvesting, each stage requires attention and care. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you’ll be well on your way to growing healthy and productive tomatillo plants in your garden.