Product Overview
Purple Tomatillo is a colorful, eye-catching variety that adds interest to any vegetable garden. Its deep purple fruit develops inside a pale green and purple husk that splits when fully ripe, revealing firm, tangy flesh ideal for salsas, sauces, and roasting. These vigorous plants thrive in full sun and produce consistently throughout the season, making them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking bold flavor and striking color. With easy care and steady yields, Purple Tomatillo is perfect for both fresh use and culinary experimentation.
Purple Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa)
Classic purple tomatillo with medium to dark purple skin where exposed to sun and a purple-green interior. Produces tart, flavorful fruits enclosed in papery husks — excellent for salsas, roasting, and fresh cooking.
| Days to Maturity | 70–90 days |
| Plant Size | 3–4' tall, 3–4' wide |
| Exposure | Full sun |
| Start Indoors | Start 4–6 weeks before last frost and transplant after danger of frost passes. |
| Direct Sow | Can be sown outdoors after all frost when soil is warm, but starting indoors gives earlier, more reliable production. |
| Seed Depth / Germination | Sow 1/4" deep. Germinates in 7–14 days at 70–85°F (21–29°C). |
| Spacing | Space plants 24–36" apart in rows 36–48" apart. |
| Soil & Water | Well-drained, fertile soil. Keep evenly watered; mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. |
| Special Traits | Purple fruit and interior color; enclosed in papery husks. Best grown with multiple plants for reliable pollination and fruit set. |
| Flavor & Uses | Tart, bright flavor ideal for salsas, roasting, preserves, and fresh cooking. |
| Harvest | Harvest when fruit fills its husk and the husk begins to split; pick regularly to encourage continued production. |
