Description

Tomatillo ‘Verde Puebla’ is a Mexican heirloom. In subtropical areas, it is perennial but is usually grown in western Sydney as an annual. The shrub grows to 1.2 metres and sprawls rather than remaining upright. It will need staking. The tang and colour of traditional ‘salsa verde’ (literally ‘green sauce’) comes from tomatillo. While growing, the fruit is covered by a papery husk. When ripe, the husk becomes dry and brittle; sometimes the fruit falls to the ground. The fruits, which remain green, are used in salads, salsa or cooking.
Cape gooseberry and tomatillo plants can be decimated quickly by the Three-lined Potato Beetle. Monitor regularly and remove any beetles or larvae before the infestation becomes unmanageable.