Tamayo

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Aromatically bright and vividly tangy, Tamayo tomatillos ripen to a luminous, golden-green that feels almost sunlit beneath their papery husks.

The fruit’s flesh is firm and juicy with a clean, citrusy bite—ideal for bold salsas, zesty roasting, and quick pickling where its lively flavor really sings. Grow Tamayo for a dependable harvest of glossy, husk-wrapped fruits that look as striking as they taste.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Tamayo’s firm, juicy flesh keeps its attitude in the blender—so your salsa stays lively instead of turning watery. Roast or char it until the husk perfume goes sweet and smoky, then use it to build sharp, citrusy heat against rich pork or silky avocado.

Best Uses

char-and-blend salsa with minimal add-ins
quick pickles for punchy ceviche-style snacking
roasted tomatillo pan sauce that thickens as it reduces
griddled or broiled tomatillo halves for smoky, tang-forward topping

Flavor Profile

bright, citrusy tang firm, juicy bite clean, herbaceous snap papery-husk aroma that roasts sweet

Kitchen Pairings

cilantro lime chile (jalapeño or serrano) garlic pork carnitas avocado

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Physalis philadelphica (sweet yellow/tomillo) and how do I manage it?

Physalis philadelphica commonly suffers from early blight and leaf spot (often appearing as brown spots with yellowing leaves) in warm, humid weather. Remove and destroy infected leaves, water at the soil line (not the foliage), and improve airflow by spacing plants so leaves don’t stay wet. If spots spread quickly, use a labeled fungicide appropriate for tomatoes/solanaceae and reapply according to the label’s schedule.

How often should I water Physalis philadelphica during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruiting (roughly after establishment until harvest), keep the soil consistently evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging, which can worsen root disease. Inconsistent watering can also lead to smaller fruits and more leaf stress, so use a steady schedule.

How can I tell when Physalis philadelphica is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the berry-like fruit inside the papery husk turns a golden-yellow color and the husk becomes dry and papery with a tight, ballooned feel around the fruit. Fruits are typically ready around 75 days from planting, but confirm color and husk dryness rather than the calendar alone. Pick gently before husks become overly brittle to avoid bruising the berries.