Tomatillos, also known as Mexican husk tomatoes, are a staple in many Latin American dishes, especially salsa verde. They grow wrapped in papery husks that make them unique compared to regular tomatoes. Knowing the right time to harvest is important because tomatillos taste best when picked at peak maturity. If you harvest too early, they can be sour and small; too late, and they may split or lose flavor. You might also enjoy learning when to harvest asparagus for a spring crop.
How to Know When Tomatillos Are Ready to Harvest
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Husk Expansion – The husk should look full and papery, often splitting open at the bottom.
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Fruit Size – Most tomatillos are ready when about the size of a golf ball (1.5–2 inches).
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Firmness – The fruit inside feels firm, not soft or mushy.
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Color – Depending on variety, tomatillos may stay green or turn purple/yellow, but husk fullness is the main clue.
When NOT to Harvest Tomatillos
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When the husk is still small and tightly hugging the fruit.
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If the tomatillo feels very soft or squishy—it’s overripe.
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When the fruit is still tiny and hasn’t filled the husk.
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If the husk is completely green and not papery yet.
Maturity Points for Tomatillo Plants
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Days to Maturity – 70–100 days after planting.
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Plant Behavior – Tomatillos often mature at different times on the same plant.
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Harvest Window – Usually late summer to early fall, depending on climate.
Tomatillo Harvest Times by Variety
| Tomatillo Type | Appearance at Maturity | Days to Maturity | Harvest Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Tomatillos | Husk fully filled, firm, light to medium green, husk may split open | 70–85 days | Summer – Early Fall |
| Purple Tomatillos | Husk filled, fruit turns deep purple, slightly sweeter flavor | 80–95 days | Late Summer – Fall |
| Yellow Tomatillos | Husk papery, fruit turns golden yellow, softer texture | 80–100 days | Late Summer – Fall |
| Small Tomatillo Varieties | Husk dry, fruit firm, usually 1–2 inches wide, light green | 60–75 days | Summer |
| Large Tomatillo Varieties | Husk splits when fruit is full size (2–3 inches), firm and heavy | 80–100 days | Summer – Fall |
Best Time of Day to Harvest Tomatillos
Morning is best after dew has dried but before the heat of the day. The fruit will be firmer, cooler, and easier to handle. If you like growing nightshades, check out when to harvest spaghetti squash too.
How to Harvest Tomatillos Properly
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Hold the plant with one hand to avoid breaking branches.
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Gently twist or pull the fruit from the stem.
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Wear gloves if handling many fruits since husks can feel sticky.
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Place them in a shallow basket to avoid bruising.
What Happens if You Harvest Too Early or Too Late
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Too Early – Fruit is small, sour, and underdeveloped.
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Too Late – Husk splits completely, fruit falls to the ground, and flavor weakens.
How Often to Harvest Tomatillos (Indoor vs. Outdoor)
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Outdoor Plants – Check every 2–3 days since tomatillos mature quickly.
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Indoor/Greenhouse Plants – Growth may be slightly slower, so weekly checks are fine.
Storage Tips After Harvesting Tomatillos
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Room Temperature – 1–2 weeks if left in husks.
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Refrigerator – 2–3 weeks in a paper bag.
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Freezing – Husk, wash, and freeze whole or chopped for long-term storage.
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Sauces & Salsas – Cooked tomatillos freeze even better than fresh.
Best Practices for Stronger, Tastier Tomatillos
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Plant at least two tomatillo plants for good pollination.
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Mulch around plants to hold soil moisture.
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Pick fruits regularly to encourage more production.
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Don’t let too many fruits over-ripen on the plant—it slows new growth.
Final Words
Tomatillos are ready to harvest when their husks are filled and starting to split. Avoid picking too soon or too late for the best taste and texture. By checking your plants every few days, especially in peak season, you’ll enjoy a steady harvest of flavorful tomatillos perfect for cooking fresh or storing for later use.
FAQs
Q: Do tomatillos keep ripening after harvest?
A: No, they don’t ripen much off the vine. Pick them only when mature.
Q: Can I eat tomatillos raw?
A: Yes, though they are tart. They’re most often used cooked in sauces and salsas.
Q: Should I remove the husk before storing?
A: Keep husks on for short-term storage; remove and wash if freezing.
Q: What if my tomatillos fall to the ground?
A: They are usually still fine if firm. Use quickly for best flavor.
Q: How many tomatillos will one plant produce?
A: With proper care, a single plant can yield several pounds of fruit in one season.
