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Conservatory GreenhouseAnnual BiennialFruit Edible

Physalis ixocarpa

tomatillo

A lax, branching annual with serrated leaves growing to 1.2m tall and wide. Yellow summer flowers with brown centres are followed by rounded edible fruit to 7cm in diameter surrounded by a thin, paper-like husk; fruits ripen from green to yellow or purple

Other common names
jamberberry
Mexican husk tomato
see morehusk tomato
jamberry
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Brown Green Green Yellow Purple
Autumn Green Green Yellow Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Physalis can be annuals or rhizomatous perennials with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and small bell-shaped flowers in the leaf axils, followed by fleshy, sometimes edible, yellow, red or purple berries, enclosed in enlarged, often colourful, calyces

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Sow seed indoors in early spring. Grow on in a cool greenhouse, or outdoors in milder areas once all risk of frost has passed. Needs well-drained soil in a sunny position and support for the lax branches. Feed every 10-14 days with a balanced liquid fertiliser before switching to a high potassium liquid feed once the first fruits have set

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally problem free

Get involved

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