Mexican groundcherry, Tomatillo, Husk-Tomato

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Mexico to Guatemala

Growth Habits: Annual, 6 to 24 inches tall (15 to 60 cm); leaf 0.4 to 0.6 inch long (1-1.5 cm), 0.25 to 0.4 inch wide (6-10 mm)

Watering Needs: Moderate water

Propagation: Seeds, self-sows and can become a pest if the conditions are right

Blooming Habits:
Yellow flowers, sometimes with faint greenish blue or purple spots, 0.3 to 1.3 inch in diameter (8 to 32 mm).

Fruiting Habits:
The fruit is green to yellow to red or purple, 0.4 to 2 inches in diameter (1-5 cm) The tomatillo has been a constant component of the Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine since pre-Columbian times, mostly for sauces including also ground chili. The fruit of the tomatillo is used cooked, or even raw, to prepare salsa verde (green sauce). They are also used to accompany prepared dishes, and in stews. The fruits are harvested still green when the fruit begins to break from the husk.