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Physalis ixocarpa
Shambhavi is a gorgeous purple shouldered yellow tomatillo selected right here at BDS from the incredible Acorazonado lineage. Acorazonado is a landrace tomatillo from the ancient Aztec pueblo of Malinalco, Mexico, a place steeped in magical lore. This tomatillo is quite unlike others in terms of its size, heart-like shape and for its out-of-hand sweetness and fruitiness--unlike any other tomatillo we’ve ever tried before! We are selecting this stock for striking purple and yellow coloring, blight resistance and the ability to thrive in our humid Maine summers. As a landrace variety you can expect some variation in fruit color, shape and size. Shambhavi is the name for the sacred celestial happening of Twilight in the Sanskrit language.
Growing Instructions:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting to the field after chance of last frost. If growing in a greenhouse sow 8 weeks before desired transplant date.
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 inches apart.
Row spacing: 24 to 36 inches apart
*If planting multiple rows we recommend alternating row spacing at 24 inches and 48 inches. The 24 inch row will be space for a trellis and the 48 inch row will be the walking path. This not only maximizes garden space, but also allows you to trellis two rows of tomatillos on one trellis.
Give tomatillos plenty of compost at time of planting. We also recommend a fall or spring cover crop of peas or another annual legume that will fix nitrogen for the tomato crop.
Mulching is a good idea, however mulching in mid spring will keep soil temperature cooler and may slow growth. Mulching can be done once soil has warmed. Make sure soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.0. If plant needs a growing boost, water with nitrogen tea or compost tea a few times. If trace minerals are inadequate, sprinkle a small amount of woodash or azomite in each planting hole.
