Tomatillo Plant Identification

The tomatillo plant or Physalis ixocarp is a type of vegetable that is native to Mexico. The tomatillo is a member of the same family of plants to which potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers belong.

Size

Tomatillo plants typically grow about three to four feet in height and about three to four feet in width or spread, reports the Iowa State University Horticulture Guide.

Leaves

The leaves of a tomatillo plant are typically shaped like an upside down tear drop with the pointed end being opposite of the leaf stem. Tiny teeth cover the edges of the leaves.

Vegetable

The tomatillo is light green with a papery appearance with a rounded shape and approximately ten noticeable, vertical ribs along its surface. The average tomatillo is one to two inches in diameter, according to the Iowa State University Horticulture Guide.

Time Frame

A tomatillo plan is an annual, meaning that its growing cycle takes only one year to complete.

Considerations

Once they produce vegetables, tomatillo plants become heavy and sprawl across the ground, meaning they require stakes or other supports to remain upright.

References

• owa State University Horticulture Guide: Tomatillo
• Purdue University: Tomatillo, husk tomato