Purple Ghost

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

A hush of smoky-sweet aroma rises as the husks blush open—Purple Ghost tomatillo delivers glossy, grape-ink fruit with a cool, tangy snap and a faintly herbal depth.

The skins are tender yet resilient, holding their shape beautifully for bright salsas and roasted pan sauces, while their vivid color makes every jar and platter feel like a small harvest celebration. Grow for 75 days and enjoy a steady rhythm of richly hued fruits that look as striking as they taste.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
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)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Purple Ghost tomatillo has that trademark cool tang, but the fruit brings a smoky-sweet, grape-ink note that lingers through char and roast. The skin holds its shape, so it doesn’t collapse into seed-and-skin mush—your salsa stays bright, textured, and spoonable.

Best Uses

charred tomatillo salsa that benefits from roasting-driven sweetness
quick-blitz green (or purple-leaning) salsa verde with a clean, crunchy bite
roasted pan sauce over chicken or pork, finished with a squeeze of citrus
quick pickling for jewel-toned, sharp-tang garnishes

Flavor Profile

cool, tangy tomatillo snap smoky-sweet aroma with faint herbal undertone grape-ink brightness tender-yet-firm skins that stay intact when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

lime cilantro garlic chile (jalapeño or serrano) white onion fresh corn

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Physalis philadelphica (Purple Ghost), and how can I manage them?

Watch for Colorado potato beetle and flea beetles chewing holes in leaves, plus early blight-type spotting that can start on lower foliage. Hand-pick beetles where possible and use row cover until plants are established; for persistent flea beetles, treat in the evening with an insecticidal soap and repeat as needed. To limit leaf spot, water at the soil line, remove heavily spotted leaves promptly, and avoid wetting foliage during hot afternoons.

How often should I water Purple Ghost tomatillo during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruiting (roughly after plants are established through to harvest), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent stress that can reduce fruit set and encourage fungal problems.

How do I tell when Purple Ghost (Physalis philadelphica) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the papery husks are fully grown and have turned a deep purple to brown-purple color, and the fruit inside feels firm. Fruits often become easy to detach when ripe; if you have to tug hard, let the husk stay on a bit longer. For peak flavor, harvest before the husks split open and the fruit starts to drop or stain on the soil.