Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo Seeds

Physalis philadelphica

Tomatillos are essential to a wide variety of Mexican foods. 'Grande Rio Verde' yields ripe fruit nearly all at once on compact plants (about 24" tall), thus lending themselves to smaller spaces or containers. A shorter harvest window is ideal for canning or freezing your favorite tomatillo-based sauces, or you can simply freeze tomatillos for use later. Tomatillos thrive in growing conditions similar to tomatoes (because they are related) but will handle a lot more heat. Grow two or more plants to ensure good pollination.

$2.99 ~0.15g (~80 seeds)
4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
29

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Features

Family

Family

Solanaceae
Native

Native

Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala
Life Cycle

Life Cycle

Annual
Plant Height

Plant Height

Medium (12" - 24")

Further Information

Plant Characteristics

Plant Characteristics

Good for Containers
Growing Conditions

Growing Conditions

  • Frost Sensitive
  • Heat Tolerant

About Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo Seeds

Physalis philadelphica

3 ounce, green fruit inside a thin, papery husk

Planting Tomatillo

Days to Maturity

Days to Maturity

85 Days from transplanting
Plant Spacing

Plant Spacing

A group of 3 seeds every 18"
Light Required

Light Required

Full sun
Plant Height

Plant Height

Medium (12" - 24")
Planting Depth

Planting Depth

¼"

Coverage & Planting Details

Coverage This packet yields approximately 80 plants when started indoors.
Row Spacing 36"
Seed Depth ¼"
Seed Spacing A group of 3 seeds every 18"
Thinning When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 18"
Germination 10 Days
Start Indoors RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 80° – 85°F.
Direct Sow 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F.

Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
Based on 29 reviews
Slide 1 selected
Rating
Ratings
Which best describes you as a gardener?
Which best describes you as a gardener?
29 reviews
  • Tamiko
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    10/9/26
    5 Stars

    I love that these seeds that were unavailable at my local nursery was available online. They were delivered quickly.

  • Christine
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    10/1/26
    5 Stars

    Im excited to plant these!

  • Bree H.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/16/26
    Vigorous plants!

    I’ve never grown tomatillos before and I’m impressed with their vigor and durability. They survived some late frosts and they’ve thrived in some very hot weather since then. I live in the high desert of eastern Oregon and these have been pretty rewarding so far. Too soon to review the fruit but so far they are covered in flowers and looks like I’ll have plenty of salsa verde to put away for the winter.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    7/17/26

    Hey Bree,

    We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with the Grande Rio Verde Tomatillo Seeds! It's awesome that they've been so vigorous and durable for you as a first-time tomatillo grower - surviving those late frosts and then thriving in the hot high desert conditions just shows how tough and reliable these plants really are! And we're totally excited for you seeing all those flowers - that's such a great sign that you're going to have an amazing salsa verde harvest to stock up for winter! There's nothing better than plants that deliver on their promise of being rewarding, especially when you're growing in challenging conditions like eastern Oregon's high desert! Thanks for sharing your Grande Rio Verde growing success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Nicole
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    5/2/26
    No luck

    I planted 5 or 6 seeds in small starter pots. Two started to grow and then stopped growing. Then they died about an inch tall. I haven't had any luck with these and I'm in zone 8a. I might try again next year.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    5/7/26

    Hey Nicole,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Terri M.
    WI, United States
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4/26/26
    Germinated well

    I have started the tomatillo seeds indoors in 2 inch pots. Had great germination. The plants are growing quickly and look healthy.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    Who do you grow for? Yourself
    How do you prefer to grow? Raised Bed

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