The tomatillo, or Mexican husk tomato, is a unique vegetable that belongs to the nightshade family. It is frequently mistaken for its close relative, the tomato, due to its similar appearance and growth habit. The question of whether to bury the tomatillo stem when transplanting is common, stemming from the successful practice used for tomatoes. The answer is yes, you can bury the stem, and this technique significantly benefits the plant’s overall health and productivity.
The Practice of Burying Stems
Burying a tomatillo seedling deeper into the soil at transplant time is a highly recommended practice. Tomatillos, like tomatoes, possess the ability to produce adventitious roots along the buried portion of their stem. These roots develop from non-root tissue, forming a secondary root system separate from the original root ball. This capacity for developing new roots is a major advantage during transplanting.
When the stem is buried, the plant develops a much larger and more extensive root mass. A larger root system allows the mature plant to absorb more water and nutrients from the soil. This improved uptake capacity translates into a healthier, more resilient plant that can better withstand environmental stresses, such as dry periods. The practice also provides superior anchoring, helping to support the weight of the sprawling, bushy growth habit of a mature tomatillo.
Proper Depth and Transplanting Techniques
When transplanting a tomatillo seedling, the goal is to set it into the garden at a depth that maximizes new root growth. The seedling should be planted deep enough to bury roughly two-thirds of the stem, or up to the first set of true leaves. Before placing the plant in the ground, gently remove any leaves that would be covered by the soil to prevent rot or fungal issues. This deep planting technique helps establish a strong foundation for the plant’s sprawling nature.
Before the final planting, “harden off” the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over about a week. Tomatillos should only be transplanted once all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is reliably above 60°F. Due to the substantial, bushy size these plants achieve, set them about two to three feet apart to ensure proper air circulation. Setting up support like a tomato cage or stake immediately upon transplanting helps keep the fruit and foliage off the ground, which prevents disease.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
The tomatillo’s ability to form adventitious roots makes it suitable for vegetative propagation. This technique uses a portion of the stem to create a genetically identical clone of the parent plant. To propagate, take a healthy, non-flowering stem cutting, typically about six inches long. Any leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed to expose the nodes where new roots will emerge.
The cutting can be placed directly into a rooting medium or a glass of water, often with the help of a rooting hormone to speed up the process. When placed in water, the cutting will begin to develop a visible root system within a few weeks, after which it can be planted in soil.