De Milpa

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Sunlit, tangy-sweet green fruit fills the lantern-like husks with a vivid, citrusy snap—De Milpa tomatillos are prized for their bright flavor and firm, juicy texture.

At maturity, the smooth skins hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for bold salsas and vibrant sauces, with a lively character that also shines when roasted or pickled for a zingy bite.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

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 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	8

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

De Milpa tomatillos bring a high-acid, citrusy snap plus a firm juice stream, so your salsa verde tastes lively instead of heavy or cooked-down. The smooth skin and meaty interior hold up under roasting, giving you saucy brightness without turning grainy.

Best Uses

blitzed salsa verde with smoky char for a bright, crunchy finish
roasted tomatillo sauce that reduces into a glossy, tart coating
quick pickling for a sharp, clean zing
stewing into braises where the fruit keeps its shape and doesn’t go mealy

Flavor Profile

citrusy, tangy snap tangy-sweet balance firm, juicy bite smooth skin that stays intact when heated

Kitchen Pairings

cilantro lime jalapeño garlic avocado grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Physalis philadelphica (de milpa), and what should I do first?

Watch for early blight or leaf spot (brown spots that expand and may yellow), especially in humid weather or with wet foliage. At the first signs, remove heavily spotted leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at the soil line instead of overhead. If the problem spreads quickly, use a labeled fungicide that targets tomato/solanaceous leaf spot and follow the label for reapplication intervals.

How often should I water Physalis philadelphica during its 60–75 day main growing phase?

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy: water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, then soak thoroughly until excess drains. During flowering and fruit filling, aim for about 1–2 deep waterings per week depending on heat, with less frequent watering if the soil stays wet. Consistent moisture reduces leaf stress and helps the fruit develop, but standing water can invite disease.

How can I tell when Physalis philadelphica (de milpa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit inside the husk turns golden to light yellow and the husk is papery and dry to the touch, not green and fleshy. Most plants are ready around 75 days after sowing, and ripe fruits will separate from the plant easily or can be gently picked without tearing. For best flavor and shelf life, pick over multiple days as husks mature rather than harvesting all at once.