PURPLE TOMATILLO SEEDS

Physalis ixocarpa

ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC

Native to Central America and Mexico and cultivated by the Maya, tomatillos produce huge amounts of food, even in poor dry soil. They make the best salsas, and some, like this purple tomatillo, are sweet enough to eat out of hand in the garden. Long undervalued, the green varieties are now frequently available at markets and grocery stores. Purple tomatillos are still a rare find and are easily grown in the garden.

This seed will produce fruits that are a solid purple inside and out. Large plants may grow to 4' in all directions. Keep them upright with tomato cages. Fruits are sweeter than most green varieties. Makes the most gorgeous salsa. Beautiful presented alongside other dips and colorful condiments. Delicious fresh or roasted.

Physalis species are easily grown and will self-sow to the point of seeming quite perennial. Appropriate for permacultural landscapes. Amazingly productive. Tomatillos require only full sun and occasional water. Possibly dioeceous, at least three plants should be grown simultaneously to ensure a good crop.

Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost: sow seeds just below surface of moist soil, pressing gently to keep seed snug; mist with warm water; cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature; kept warm (75-80F) and moist in bright light seeds will germinate in a week. Prick out seedlings once they have a single set of true leaves to grow on in individual 2" cells or 3" pots at room temperature in bright light. Transplant to the garden when nights are at least 55F. Space at least 2' apart. Mulch with grass. Harvest fruits as soon as they've just filled out their little husk. Ripe fruits will typically drop from the plant promptly if they aren't picked. This does not damage the fruit and is actually very handy. Fruits keep a long time off the plant and will often develop and even deeper purple hue!

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.