// SPECIES PROFILE · FOOD CROP · CULTIVATED

Tomatillo

Physalis philadelphica

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a cultivated annual food crop grown for its edible fruit. Family: Solanaceae (nightshade family). Originally from Mexico. Grown as an annual in zones 4a–11a. Mature size 3'–4'. Harvest in northeastern Oklahoma: Jul–Oct.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Solanaceae (nightshade family)
Group: crop · annual
Origin: Mexico · cultivated
USDA zones: Zones 4a–11a (as an annual)
Mature size: 3'–4'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Edible parts: fruit
Harvest (NE OK): Jul–Oct
Garden role: salsa verde husk fruit · plant two for cross-pollination · heat-tolerant

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) — *Physalis philadelphica* — Tomatillo. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: salsa verde husk fruit · plant two for cross-pollination · heat-tolerant. A cultivated food crop — not a native — grown alongside regional natives in Rooted Revival's kitchen-garden and food-forest designs. Harvest windows are for northeastern Oklahoma (USDA zone 7a).

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In a kitchen garden or food-forest guild, tomatillo pairs well with: Chile Pepper (Capsicum annuum), Onion (Allium cepa), Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), Basil (Ocimum basilicum).