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Tomatillo

Physalis philadelphica

Also called Husk tomato and Mexican husk tomato

Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruit

YOU NEED TWO PLANTS. A single tomatillo is self-incompatible and sets almost nothing — the commonest reason people give up on it after one year.

Care at a glance

Ease
Medium
Water
Every 3 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
Light
Full sun
Feed
Once a fortnight
Humidity
Average
Hardiness
Tender — no frost at all RHS H2, to 1°C
Size
1.2 m tall · 0.9 m across
Lifecycle
Annual
Origin
Mexico

Is it safe for pets and people?

PetsNothing recorded against it

No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.

PeopleNot checked yet

Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.

Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04. Where a source says nothing, we say nothing.

A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

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