When to Plant: Plant tomatillos after the last danger of frost has passed. Plants will do better as days become more consistently warm. Harden off young plants by placing them outdoors a few days before planting.

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Light: Full Sun

Soil: Well-drained soil is best, but like others in the tomato family, it can tolerate heavier soils. If planting in a container, use general-purpose potting mix.

Water deeply when the top 3-4” of soil or potting mix is dry.

If planted in a container, try a slow-release fertilizer for easy care, following the recommended bottle rates. Sometimes, potting mixes incorporate slow release fertilizer that lasts for 6 months.

For in ground gardening, fertilize with a side dressing of granular fertilizer when first planting in the garden and again when plants begin to set fruit. After fruit set begins, fertilize every 2-4 weeks. Watering the granular in deeply after each application.

Like all others in the tomato family, avoid using high levels of nitrogen by selecting a fertilizer such as 5-10-10 to support foliage without inhibiting fruit set.

Tomatillos don’t need quite as much fertilizer as peppers, tomatoes and eggplant, but if you have other solanaceous crops in your garden, you might as well fertilize all at the same time.

Harvest fruit when it fills its husk (or lantern). Allow to ripen indoors for best flavor.

Tomatillos will appear a bright color, and their “lanterns” will dry up and peel away from the fruit when ripe.

Ground cherries (a type of Physalis) are native to Kansas and are actually in the tomato family, they love heat and high light levels, especially as they age. They can also cope well with harsh conditions and poor soil.