Tomatillo ‘Grande Rio Verde’ (Physalis ixocarpa)

Tomatillo ‘Grande Rio Verde’ (Physalis ixocarpa) is a vigorous and productive variety known for its large green fruits and essential role in traditional salsa verde. This fast-growing plant produces round, firm fruits enclosed in papery husks, with a tangy, citrus-like flavour widely used in Mexican cuisine.

Grande Rio Verde is valued for its larger fruit size compared to standard tomatillo varieties and its consistent yields throughout the growing season. Plants develop a bushy, spreading habit and perform best when grown with support such as staking or cages. For proper pollination and fruit set, it is recommended to grow at least two tomatillo plants, as cross-pollination significantly improves productivity.

Well-suited to Alberta’s warm summer conditions, tomatillos thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. In Lethbridge, they are grown as a warm-season annual and should be planted after all risk of frost has passed.