Purple Tomatillo
Physalis ixo-orpa Approximately 60 seeds per pack.
Germination ~ 97% Oct 2024, Packed for 2025
Origins and History
The Purple Tomatillo an heirloom variety native to Mexico, carries deep cultural significance as part of the long culinary traditions of Mesoamerican agriculture. Tomatillos have been cultivated for centuries, predating the arrival of Europeans, and were a staple ingredient in Aztec and Mayan kitchens. While green tomatillos are more common, the purple type is a rare heirloom that adds both visual and flavor diversity. Its natural pigments come from anthocyanins, which give the fruit its striking purple coloration and link it to other nutrient-rich heirloom crops.
Appearance and Characteristics
This tomatillo variety produces medium-sized fruits encased in the familiar papery husks that split open as the fruit matures. When ripe, the fruits turn a rich, deep purple that intensifies with sun exposure. The flesh is firm, tangy-sweet, and less acidic than green tomatillos, with subtle berry-like undertones. Plants are sprawling and bushy, typically reaching 3–4 feet in height, and they bear prolifically throughout the warm season. The blooms are small and yellow, eventually giving way to fruits that can be harvested from midsummer through frost.
Culinary Uses
Purple Tomatillos are highly prized in the kitchen for their unique flavor profile. They make excellent salsas, especially when combined with chilies and cilantro, where their sweetness balances heat and acidity. They can be roasted, grilled, or blended into sauces, providing a deep magenta hue to dishes. Beyond salsas, they are also used in stews, soups, and chutneys, or eaten raw for a tangy, refreshing bite. Their striking color makes them a favorite for creating visually appealing dishes.
Growing Tips (Zones & Sowing Depth)
Purple Tomatillos thrive in warm climates and are best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4–12. They require full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Seeds should be started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, then transplanted once soil temperatures remain steadily above 60°F. Sow seeds at a depth of about ¼ inch, lightly covering them with soil. Because tomatillos are self-incompatible, at least two plants are needed for cross-pollination and good fruit set. They benefit from staking or caging to support their spreading growth habit.
Harvesting Guidance
Tomatillos are ready to harvest when their papery husks have filled out and begin to split open, usually 70–80 days from transplanting. The fruit should feel firm and come away easily from the plant when gently tugged. Purple Tomatillos develop their deepest coloration and fullest sweetness when left to ripen on the plant beyond husk maturity. Once harvested, fruits can be stored in their husks in a cool, dry place for several weeks, or refrigerated to extend freshness. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout the season.
