Florence

Plant under a cloche if the weather is cool. Keep well watered in dry weather.

If a tall central shoot starts to develop the plant is probably starting to go to seed. Harvest at this point as it will start to go woody.

Chichiquelite

As long as the soil is moist but well-drained and in full sun, they are tolerant of soil type.

Plant out when the soil has warmed up. Keep watered in dry weather.

Verde Pueblo

Tomatillos are self-sterile, so always plant at least two! They need insects to pollinate them too - so in a greenhouse/polytunnel leave the door open when they are flowering. Grow like tomatoes - sheltered sunny locations are best. Make low-growing, sprawling bush plants.

Prefer a rich, loamy soil, but quite tolerant . A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mulch laid 2 weeks before transplanting will warm the soil & prevent weeds growing through the plants. Water well in dry weather.

Quite tender, these plants are better grown in warm, sheltered outdoor positions or under cover. However, the plants sprawl and can take up a lot of room.

Plant into a prepared bed that holds moisture but does not dry out easily. You can pinch out hte top shoots when over 1 foot high to produce bushier plants.

Fruit is ripe when the husk dries out and the fruit changes from green to orange.

Gobbo di Nizza

The large plants need to be potted up into 6 inch pots and slowly hardened off until the last frosts have gone.

For best results, this plant requires plenty of moisture in the growing season and a good rich soil.

Bigger leaves, in abundance, will be produced in the second season.

Will produce equally tasty, smaller tubers in UK with a 4-5 month growing season.

Pot up early (or plant into greenhouse border) and keep warm and hte soil damp but not waterlogged.

All above ground parts contain poison that requires boiling to remove.

Applause

Plant up immediately, into a larger pot to grow on inside until the end of May. Can be planted outside earlier if it can be protected with a fleece cloche.

Treat soil with rotted compost or manure before planting for more cobs per plant.

Grow in blocks of at least 9 plants to ensure good pollination and cob formation.

Harden off after purchase and plant out after frosts or with a cloche covering.

The pods start to appear after the pretty red flowers - they can be hard to see at first so have a good look round to catch them young - longer pods are almost inedible!