Purple Tomatillo - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

Tomatillos are easy to grow, and the process is similar to that of tomatoes. Sunlight and heat play a crucial role in the success of this crop. They can thrive in any 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 under 5 to 7 mm (0in) of "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 sprout between 3 days and a week after sowing. When the plants have grown 5 to 6 true leaves, transplant them into larger pots with more space for their roots and start acclimatising them to the outside on sunny days.

Transplanting into 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 ideal position is at the base of a south-facing wall. 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 inside and firm the soil around it, while creating a small trough around the base, and water generously. Be careful not to water 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 they have a taproot that searches deeply for available resources. Only water generously during prolonged periods of drought.