Purple Tamatillo x 25 seeds

A purple tomatillo plant produces small, round, intensely sweet fruit that ripens to a deep violet color inside a papery husk. Unlike its more common green counterpart, the purple variety has a fruitier, less acidic flavor with hints of plum and pear. 

Popular purple varieties

Purple Coban: An heirloom variety that produces plum-like, violet fruit with a tangy-sweet flavor. It is native to Guatemala.

Purple de Milpa: A wilder Mexican variety with a flavor that is both sweeter and sharper than the green types. The fruits are typically smaller.

Purple Tomatillo: A general designation for several heirloom and hybrid varieties that produce dark-purple, flavorful fruit. 

Growing purple tomatillos

Purple tomatillos are easy to grow and have care requirements similar to tomatoes. The plants have a sprawling growth habit and are not self-pollinating, so you must plant at least two to get fruit. 

Planting

Timing: Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date, or sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

Location: Choose a spot with full sun, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.

Soil: Use well-draining, fertile soil. Adding compost or aged manure before planting is recommended.

Spacing: Space plants about 2 to 3 feet apart to ensure good air circulation.

Support: Provide a cage or stake, as the plants can grow up to 34 feet tall and wide. 

Care

Watering: Water consistently at the base of the plant, providing 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.

Fertilizing: Amend the soil with compost. You can add a balanced fertilizer when flowers appear, but avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can lead to bushy plants with less fruit.

Mulching: Add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pests and diseases: Purple tomatillos are generally resistant to most pests and diseases. The papery husk also protects the fruit from pests.