Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo
The fruit of the Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo variety with 8-foot vines reaches a weight of 2 ounces each. This variety is native to Mexico, growing well in hot climates, ripening in 100 days. It has a characteristic tart taste and can be used both raw and cooked.
Tomatillo is distantly related to the tomato, although it is grown similarly. Tomatillos were first discovered in the wild in the fields of Central America, where they later fell in love and became an ingredient in the local cuisine. Traditional Mexican dishes, such as salsa, guacamole, and gazpacho, contain tomatoes as their main ingredient.
How to Grow Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo:
- Sowing: Start growing indoor tomatoes 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Sow seeds 1/4 "deep, 1" apart. Maintain a germination temperature of 70-75 degrees F, provide light, keep the soil moist. When the second set of leaves appears, transplant the seedlings into separate pots and bury the stems down to the lowest set of leaves. It is recommended to expose them to the weather a week before planting to harden the plant in the afternoon. Repot the tomatoes when the frost threat is gone, and the soil temperature has reached at least 70 degrees F.
- Plant Spacing: 18-36″.
- Growing of Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo: Tomatillos grow best in the hot sun and well-drained, somewhat rich soil. This should be provided with a trellis or support because it protects them from pests and diseases by reducing frequent contact with the soil. Supports should be set up before vines develop. Tomatoes are thermophilic; temperatures below 55 degrees F can damage, so protect the plants if necessary. Water the plants once a week, mulch to retain moisture. Pruning unnecessary shoots between the main stem and branches will significantly improve the productivity and vigor of the plant.
- Soil Requirements for Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo: Well worked rich, loose, well-drained soil.
- Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo Days to Germination for: 7-10 days.
- Light Preference of Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo: Full Sun.
- Life Cycle of Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo: Annual.
- How and When to Harvest Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo: Gather the tomatillos before the husk cracks. Store in the husk for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator, or freeze without the husk.
- Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo Seeds Days to Maturity: 60-90 days
- Seed Saving: Cross-pollination between most tomato varieties is unlikely, so isolation is not required. Cut perfectly ripe tomatoes in half horizontally by squeezing the pulp into a container. Also, you can chop small tomatoes in a blender. The mixture should ferment for several days or until a thick layer of mold forms to remove the gelatinous layer on the seeds. Drain all but the good seeds, rinse them under running water, then lay them out to dry out of direct sunlight. Stir twice a day and use a fan to speed up drying if the air is humid. Once the seeds are dehydrated, store them in a cool, dry location for up to 3 years.
FAST FACTS:
- Latin Name: Physalis ixocarpa
- Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Determinate, Warm Season
- USDА Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Seeds per Ounce: 10,000
- Planting Method: From Transplant
- Planting Depth: 0.25
- Planting Spacing: 24
- Row Spacing: 32
- Days to Maturity: 100
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height: 60 Inches
- Color: Green
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