Mexican Tomatillo Purple Xtrem

Tomatillos are easy to cultivate, following the same process as tomatoes. Sunlight and warmth are crucial for a successful crop. They can grow in 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 7mm deep in "special sowing" compost, 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 sprout between 3 days and a week after sowing. When the plants have reached 5 to 6 true leaves, transplant them into buckets that provide a little more space for their roots and start acclimatising them to the outside on sunny days.

Transplanting into open ground: Once the risk of frost has passed, usually after mid-May, transplant your plants into open ground. Choose the sunniest and warmest spots in the 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-decomposed compost at the bottom. Place your plant, firm the soil, create a basin around the base, and water thoroughly. Avoid watering the leaves to protect your plants from fungal diseases. If you plan to plant multiple plants, space them 60 cm (24in) apart in all directions.

Maintenance: Applying mulch around the base of your plants helps retain some moisture and reduces the need for weeding. The plants do not require excessive watering as their root system has a taproot that searches deep for available resources. Water generously only during prolonged periods of drought.