Purple Mexican Tomatillo ‘Purple’ (Physalis ixocarpa)

🌿 Purple Mexican Tomatillo ‘Purple’ (Physalis ixocarpa)

Physalis ixocarpa ‘Purple’ is a vibrant heirloom tomatillo variety originating from Mexico, producing deep purple fruits with a rich, sweet-tart flavor and subtle citrus notes. Admired by gardeners and food lovers alike, this variety combines an exotic look with health benefits and culinary versatility.

🌸 Plant Characteristics
Latin name: Physalis ixocarpa
Variety: Purple
Height: 80–120 cm
Blooming time: June–September
Flowers: Medium-sized, yellow with dark spots in the center, highly decorative – they give the plant an eye-catching appearance during flowering.
Fruits: Round, purple to dark violet-black, very ornamental, enclosed in a papery husk. These fruits are used both in cooking and as a decorative accent in dishes or floral compositions.
Life form: Annual, heat-loving plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae).

🌱 Cultivation
Grow Physalis ixocarpa ‘Purple’ in a similar way to tomatoes:

• Sowing: Indoors or in a greenhouse 6–8 weeks before transplanting.

• Germination temperature: +20–25 °C.

• Transplanting: When night temperatures stay above +10 °C.

• Spacing: 70–100 cm between plants.

• Soil: Fertile, light, and well-drained.

• Light: Full sun and warmth.

• Tip: Plant at least two tomatillos for good pollination.

💚 The more sunlight and comfortable growing conditions, the larger, tastier, and more colorful the fruits will be.

🍈 Harvesting
Fruits are ready when the husk becomes dry and begins to split. Ripe fruits turn purple to dark violet-black and have a glossy skin. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruiting.

🍇 Flavor and Aroma
The Purple variety delights with a fresh, sweet-tart flavor, enriched with light fruity and citrus undertones.

• When fresh, the taste balances between the juiciness of a tomato and the aroma of berries.

• When cooked, the tomatillo develops a mild roasted nut flavor, especially notable in salsas and sauces.

• The purple color remains vivid in dishes, adding elegance and visual appeal.

💧 Nutritional and Health Benefits
Purple tomatillos are rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

• Boosts immunity and aids digestion.

• Low in calories and sugar.

• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

• The purple pigments help protect cells from oxidative stress and support natural well-being.

🥗 Culinary Uses

• Salsas and sauces: Perfect for Salsa morada (purple salsa) and other Mexican-style sauces.

• Grilled or roasted: Pairs beautifully with meat, fish, and vegetables.

• Fresh: Adds a sweet-tart, lightly fruity accent to salads.

• Preserving: Keeps its decorative color when pickled, fermented, or jarred.

• Garnish: The deep purple hue gives dishes a natural, elegant touch.

🌺 Interesting Facts

• The Purple variety originated in Mexico and was cultivated long before Columbus discovered America.

• Its vivid color comes from anthocyanins, the same pigments found in blueberries and grapes.

• In Mexico, tomatillos are a staple ingredient in salsa verde and mole sauces.

🌾 Growing Tips

• Prefers sunny, warm locations.

• Water moderately – avoid excess moisture.

• Produces best when plants have enough space to grow and spread.

• Harvest before fruits become overly soft.

🌱 Seed packet contains:
3 seeds.

🪶 Author: Heart Garden Studio
A natural garden and rare plant varieties grown with heart.
Learn more about rare, well-known, and popular plants, seeds, and how to grow them:
www.heartgardenstudio.eu