I am growing tomatillos this year!

I cannot wait.  I picked one up last year with no expectations and it did nothing.  I mean, it was green and it grew and got beautiful yellow flowers, but then – nothing.  I mean, I can grow tomatoes just fine.  Where o where were the tomatillos?

Mystery solved.

Tomatillas are not self-pollinating, it turns out.  So – they need to be in a serious, commmitted relationship with other tomatillos.  I got 4 this time.

A lot of people think they are just green tomatoes, however, they are a nightshade plant more closely related to cape gooseberry plants.  They’re a little wild by nature and considered a common field weed in Mexico.  Nonetheless – I am very excited at the possibilities…

The essential ingredient in the green salsas of Mexican cuisine is not the tomato but the tomatillo—a fruit with a citrusy, sweet flavor. Dainty paper husks encase the tomatillos, and by late summer, what seems like billions of fruits dangle from the plant’s branches, ensuring that you can more than satisfy your salsa cravings by summer’s end. Organic Gardening

They are indeterminate, grow 3 to 4 feet high and put down roots through their stems, so the idea is to plant them very deeply and then stake them.  I am so excited I am going to give them a place of honor this year where the pond used to be, right  near the patio so I can keep a good eye them.  I hear if they are happy they go a little nuts.  I hope that happens.

In about 75 days, I shall be in the kitchen making garden fresh salsa verde and it is going to be incredible!  Want some?