De Milpa Purple

Family: Solanaceae Vegetable

Aromatic and richly colored, De Milpa Purple tomatillos ripen into jewel-toned fruits cradled in papery husks—deep purple skins that gleam with a velvety, slightly sticky sheen.

The flesh is bright and tangy with a crisp, juicy bite, balancing fruitiness and lively acidity for bold, vibrant results. Grow De Milpa Purple for striking harvests and for sauces, salsas, and quick pickling where its purple character brings instant visual flair.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of De Milpa Purple

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

De Milpa Purple brings a crisp, juicy tartness that pops even after cooking—use it for salsas that need body without turning mushy. The slight sticky sheen helps it cling to chips and meats, making it a standout for char-and-reduce sauces.

Best Uses

charred tomatillo salsa for tacos—deep purple skins stay toothsome
quick pickling where the papery husk tang reads like a tart snap
purple-tinged cooked salsa verde—reduce until glossy and clinging
cooked into smoky braises or roasted sheet-pan relishes for sharp, juicy contrast

Flavor Profile

tangy, bright acidity crisp juicy bite slightly fruit-forward aromatics subtle sticky-resin texture

Kitchen Pairings

cilantro lime jalapeño smoked pork avocado cotija cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Physalis philadelphica (de milpa purple), and how can I control it?

A frequent issue is hornworms (tomato/green hornworms) that chew through Physalis foliage quickly. Hand-pick the large worms early in the morning, then check again after 2–3 days; for heavier pressure, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on the leaves and reapply as directed after new feeding starts. If you see leaf spotting or fungal mottling, remove the affected leaves and avoid wetting foliage when watering to slow spread.

How often should I water de milpa purple during its main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged, aiming for a damp feel 2–3 inches down. In hot full-sun weeks this usually means watering about 1–2 times per week with deep soak, but adjust so the soil doesn’t stay soggy after watering. Reduce watering slightly near the end of the season to help prevent problems from excess moisture while still avoiding dry, wilting soil.

How do I tell when Physalis philadelphica is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the husks (papery lantern-like coverings) turn brownish and feel dry and snug around the fruit, usually around 70 days. The fruit under the husk should be filled and slightly yellow-purple depending on light, and you should be able to gently twist it free without crushing. If the husk is still green or loose, leave it on the plant to mature.