I just found out that tomatillos require another plant for pollination, and since I only have one, I'm considering getting another to help with that. I also grow tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, tabascos, various onions, and carrots, along with some leafy greens. Can anyone share other plants that are self-sterile?
4 Answers
Oh wow! I didn't know tomatillos were self-sterile either. I really hope both of my seedlings survive too!
I had just one tomatillo last year, and it actually produced a massive harvest. I wonder if certain varieties can self-pollinate or if it got assistance from nearby peppers or tomatoes?
When I grow tomatillos, I usually plant 2-3 in a 5-gallon bucket so they can easily pollinate each other. They grow larger than most pepper plants but are smaller than indeterminate tomatoes. Besides tomatillos, some other self-sterile plants include mini kiwis, muscadine grapes, and avocados. Make sure you have enough plants for successful pollination!
That explains why my lone tomatillo had tons of flowers but didn't produce any fruit last year. I had no idea they needed a companion plant!
Right? I thought flowers meant fruit would come, but nope! Guess I need to get another tomatillo.