Purple Tomatillo de Puebla

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Velvety purple tomatillos of the Purple Tomatillo de Puebla variety unfurl in the garden with a jewel-like glow—tangy, bright, and richly aromatic.

The fruit develops a firm, juicy flesh under papery husks, offering a satisfying bite and a vivid flavor profile that shines in salsa, roasted preparations, and tangy sauces. Grow this 80-day standout for a striking harvest that’s as ornamental as it is delicious in bold, homemade preserves and pickling-style uses.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 80 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Purple Tomatillo de Puebla

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	Sep 1st
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
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

Purple Tomatillo de Puebla keeps a firm, juicy structure for salsas that don’t collapse—its bright acidity stays front-of-palate even after roasting. Use it for blistered, smoky salsa or quick-brine preserves where that tangy bite can hold its own against heat and fat.

Best Uses

fresh tomatillo-style salsa with a clean, sharp snap
roasted tomatillo salsa—cook until blistered for a thicker, jammy texture
cooked tangy sauces for tacos and grilled meats
quick pickling or brined preserves for a sustained sour-crunch

Flavor Profile

tart, tangy brightness juicy, firm bite with a faintly velvety skin sensation citrusy-tropical aroma with a green, chile-adjacent backbone balanced acidity that caramelizes at the edges when roasted

Kitchen Pairings

cilantro lime jalapeño chile powder pork cotija cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat early blight and hornworms on Physalis philadelphica (Purple Tomatillo de Puebla)?

Check leaves weekly for brown concentric spots (early blight) and remove infected foliage early to reduce spread; keep plants evenly spaced and water at the base to avoid wet leaves. For hornworms, inspect stems and undersides at dawn or dusk, hand-pick large larvae when you see them, and release parasitic wasps if available locally.

How often should I water Purple Tomatillo de Puebla during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruit development, water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, typically every 2–4 days in warm weather (less often in cool or rainy periods). Aim for consistent moisture—avoid letting the soil swing from very dry to soggy, which can reduce fruit set and encourage foliar diseases.

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

Harvest when the papery husk turns from green to a purple-brown and the fruit inside is fully colored and fills the husk. Fruits are usually ready about 80 days from sowing/transplanting; pick promptly once husks mature, because overripe fruit may drop or split.