Organic Purple Tomatillo Seeds - Physalis philadelphica

Organic Open-Pollinated Non-GMO Purple Tomatillo Seed

This rare purple tomatillo is absolutely stunning both as a garden plant and a culinary fruit. The plants are vigorous and highly ornamental, with lush green leaves accented by striking purple veins, adding beautiful color and contrast to the garden. The lantern-like decorative husks begin light green and mature to a soft tan, enclosing the vibrant fruits inside.

Once the husks are removed, the fruits reveal their rich purple color, which deepens as they ripen. Compared to traditional green tomatillos, this variety offers a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor, while still maintaining the bright tang that tomatillos are loved for.

Plants produce abundant clusters of small to medium-sized fruits throughout the growing season, making them both productive and visually striking. Tomatillos thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, and the plants benefit from staking or light support as they grow and become heavy with fruit.

Harvest fruits when the papery husks split open and the fruits fill the husk completely, indicating they have reached full size and flavor. Simply remove the husk and rinse the fruit before using.

Purple tomatillos make an exquisitely beautiful salsa, bringing both color and brightness to the table. They are also wonderful in soups, sauces, and stews, roasted for depth of flavor, or used fresh as a vibrant garnish. Their unique color and sweet-tart flavor make them a standout ingredient in the kitchen and a conversation piece in the garden.

Seed Profile

• Organic

• Non-GMO

• Annual

• Exposure : Full Sun

• Indoors: 6-8 weeks before last frost

• Direct Sow: No 

• Seed Count: 25

• Days to Maturity: 68-70

• Plant Size: 3'-4'

Gardener Tips

Keep soil moist while seeds are germinating. Do not plant seeds too early, may become leggy and/or root-bound. Harden off transplants and add compost before planting. If necessary, use row cover to protect from cold weather. In hot climates, afternoon shade is recommended. 

Seeds should be planted indoors and kept in a dome with a heated mat for 4-8 weeks. 

It is key that your new starts be hardened off.  This is a process that requires taking them outside during the day, for a period of time, before they are planted. This acclimates your seedlings to the outside world, meaning the elements like the wind and sun. We do it for several weeks to a month as this strengthens their stems and overall plant structure. 

• Start for a short period of time initially, then graduate to more time each day

• One week minimum is recommended

• Bring them inside in the early evening and overnight

• Keep an eye on them and constantly water them. Make sure they have not blown over. 

Harvesting Tips

Harvest purple tomatillos when the fruits fill the papery husk and the husk begins to split open. This indicates the fruit has reached full size and flavor.

Signs fruit is ready

• Husks turn light tan and begin to split

• Fruit feels firm and fills the husk completely

• Color deepens to rich purple after husk removal

How to harvest

• Gently twist or cut the fruit from the plant.

• Remove the papery husk before use.

• Rinse fruit to remove the natural sticky coating.

Harvest regularly

• Frequent picking encourages the plant to continue producing new fruits.

• Fruits may also drop naturally when fully mature, so check plants often.

Purple tomatillos are best harvested slightly firm and fully colored for the sweetest flavor and are excellent for salsas, sauces, roasting, and fresh dishes.