Mexican Tomatillo - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

Tomatillos are easy to grow, following the same process as tomatoes. Sunlight and heat play a crucial role in the success of this crop. They can tolerate any type of soil, although they prefer rich, loose, and well-draining soil. If the substrate is too compact, you can add some sand to improve it.

Sowing: From mid-February to May, sow your seeds indoors or in a heated greenhouse in trays at around 20°C (68°F). Bury the seeds about 5 to 7 mm (0in) deep in "special sowing" soil as they need darkness to germinate. Do not use compost at this stage, as it may burn the future roots. The growth is rapid: the seeds will germinate between 3 days and a week after sowing. When the plants have reached 5 to 6 true leaves, transplant them into pots that have a little more space for their roots and start acclimatising them to the outside on sunny days.

Transplanting in the ground: Once the risk of frost has passed, usually by mid-May, transplant your plants into the ground. Choose the sunniest and warmest spots in your garden. The base of a south-facing wall is an ideal position. Loosen the soil and dig a hole at least 3 to 4 times the volume of the plant's root system. Add some well-rotted compost at the bottom. Position your plant and firm the soil around it, creating a trough around the base, and then water generously. Be careful not to water the leaves to protect your plants from fungal diseases. If you want to plant multiple plants, space them about 60 cm (24in) apart in all directions.

Maintenance: Adding mulch around your plants helps retain moisture and reduces the need for weeding. The plants do not require a lot of watering: their root system has a taproot that searches deeply for available resources. Only water generously in case of prolonged drought.