Tomatillos are unique fruits that require cross-pollination in order to produce a successful harvest. This means that you need to plant at least two tomatillo plants in order for them to bear fruit. Unlike self-pollinating plants, tomatillos rely on the transfer of pollen between plants in order to fertilize their flowers and develop into fruit.
The reason why tomatillos need two plants for cross-pollination is because they have what is called “self-incompatibility.” This means that the pollen from a tomatillo plant cannot fertilize its own flowers. In order for successful pollination to occur, the pollen must come from a different tomatillo plant.
By planting at least two tomatillo plants, you are ensuring that there will be a sufficient amount of pollen available for cross-pollination to take place. This increases the chances of successful fruit set and a bountiful harvest.
It’s important to note that tomatillos are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The bright yellow blossoms of the tomatillo plant serve as a beacon, attracting these beneficial insects. Bees play a crucial role in the pollination process by transferring pollen from one plant to another as they move from flower to flower in search of nectar.
Having multiple tomatillo plants in your garden not only increases the chances of cross-pollination but also provides a greater opportunity for attracting pollinators. This can be beneficial for the overall health and productivity of your garden, as pollinators also play a role in the pollination of other plants in the vicinity.
In my own experience, I have found that planting multiple tomatillo plants has resulted in a higher yield of fruit compared to when I only had one plant. The presence of multiple plants not only encourages cross-pollination but also increases the likelihood of attracting bees and other pollinators to my garden.
In conclusion, tomatillos require cross-pollination, which means that you need to plant at least two tomatillo plants in order for them to produce fruit. This is because tomatillos have self-incompatibility and cannot self-pollinate. By planting multiple tomatillo plants, you increase the chances of successful pollination and a higher yield of fruit. Additionally, the bright yellow blossoms of tomatillo plants attract bees and other pollinators, which can benefit your entire garden. So, if you want to enjoy a plentiful harvest of tart and delicious tomatillos, be sure to plant more than one tomatillo plant in your garden.
