Can You Plant Tomatillos Deep Like Tomatoes?

Tomatillos are a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine, used in dishes such as salsa verde and other sauces. They are related to tomatoes and are often grown in a similar manner. One common question that arises is whether tomatillos can be planted deep like tomatoes. Let’s explore the answer.

The Short Answer

Yes, tomatillos can be planted deep like tomatoes. In fact, some gardeners recommend planting them even deeper than tomatoes to promote strong root growth. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure success.

The Details

When planting tomatillos (or any tomato-like plant), it is important to bury them deeply to encourage strong root growth. The stem of the plant has tiny hairs called adventitious roots, which can sprout into new roots if buried in the soil. This helps the plant develop a strong root system that can support healthy growth and fruit production.

Some gardeners recommend burying tomatillo seedlings up to their first set of leaves or even deeper. This can help the plants establish a strong root system early on, which in turn can lead to more robust plants and a larger harvest.

However, it is important to be careful when planting tomatillos deep. As with tomatoes, burying the stem too deeply can increase the risk of stem rot, which can kill the plant. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid watering the plants too much to prevent excess moisture around the stem.

Other Considerations

When planting tomatillos, there are a few other things to keep in mind. Here are some tips for success:

Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.

Plant tomatillos after the last frost in your area.

Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation.

Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer when planting and again after the first fruit set.

Water deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.

Harvest tomatillos when they are firm and bright green, before they turn yellow or brown.

Conclusion

Planting tomatillos deep like tomatoes can be a great way to promote strong root growth and increase the size of your harvest. However, it is important to be careful not to bury the stem too deeply to avoid stem rot. By following these tips and caring for your tomatillos properly, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of this tasty and versatile vegetable.