How to grow tomatillos?

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Lacey12 Burson, CA Jul 14, 2012

I planted a tomatillo plant last year. It did great, very large, lots of blossoms - no fruit! I went online and learned you must have two plants close together to pollinate. I have done so this year. I am getting very healthy plants again with lots of blossoms and ...again no fruit is setting. I live in northern California, zone 9. What am I doing wrong? I've never even eaten a tomatillo, I just thought it an interesting novelty and I might like them. Now I am taking the challenge and I will have tomatillos - HELP!

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Jul 17, 2012

I've never grown them but looks like from all the info on line they are very slow growing, have you seen bees pollinating them?

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Gitagal Baltimore, MD(Zone 7a) Jul 18, 2012

I tried growing ONE a few years ago. It grew huge and the branches sprawled in all directions
with blooms coming continuously. BUT--No fruit.
Jen--it grew pretty fast for me.

Then I learned that you need more than one as well. Don't know why yours did not pollinate.
Weather? A lot of rain? No bees? Do you use a lot of sprays in your garden?

Just mulling....some ideas....Gita

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Lacey12 Burson, CA Jul 19, 2012

flowAjen,
My plants are very vigorous and about 2 1/2' tall, tons of blossoms.
Gitagal,
My plants have had no insecticides on them. My tomatoes are thriving and loaded with tomatoes so I don't think it is a bee problem. I also have a lot of humming birds. In northern California we won't be getting any rain until mid-September or later. It does seem it has to be a pollination problem. My local nurseryman said he doesn't know anything about them, not very helpful. I'm actually considering using a Q-tip or paint brush and pollinating them myself! Perhaps, it is just too early for them to set fruit.
If I end up with any fruit I well report back.
I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks.

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Lacey12 Burson, CA Jul 22, 2012

Folks, here's the bottom line. I was impatient! Fruit is setting, they look like cute little lanterns.
Now to start looking for tomatillo recipes. My Mexican friend says they make great salsa - better than tomato salsa. I better get his recipe.
Thanks.

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