1 named cultivar

‘Purple de Milpa’Purple de Milpa Tomatillo

fruit vegetableN. America Native

Tomatillo

Physalis philadelphica

The Story

Plant Bio

Physalis philadelphica, commonly known as the tomatillo, is a sprawling, branching annual native to Mexico and Central America that produces edible green or purple fruits enclosed in papery husks. The solitary, bell-shaped yellow flowers feature distinct dark purple throat markings and twisted anthers, blooming from summer through fall.

Unlike self-fertile tomatoes, this species is strongly self-incompatible and requires at least two distinct plants grown in close proximity to achieve successful cross-pollination and fruit set. The expanding calyx inflates to completely envelope the developing berry, drying to a papery husk that splits open when the fruit reaches maturity.

Uses & Benefits:

The inflated, lantern-like papery husks provide unique visual interest as they mature on the sprawling stems.

Produces tart, flavorful green or purple fruits that are a staple ingredient in salsas and traditional Mexican cuisine.

The open, yellow flowers attract native bees, honeybees, and other generalist insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

40"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Mexico, Central America

Toxicity

Stems, leaves, and unripe fruit are toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected spring frost, keeping soil warm to accelerate germination.
Transplant seedlings into a full-sun location with fertile, exceptionally well-drained loamy soil once all danger of frost has passed.
Space multiple plants within a few feet of each other to facilitate the cross-pollination required for fruit development.
Provide a stake or cage to support the sprawling, branching stems and keep the developing husked fruits off the ground.

Pro Tip

Plant at least two specimens near each other to ensure insect-mediated cross-pollination, as single isolated plants will fail to set fruit despite abundant flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant at least two tomatillo specimens near each other to ensure cross-pollination.
Water regularly during the growing season to maintain consistent soil moisture for optimal fruit set.
Pinch the growing tips of young plants early in the season to encourage a bushier habit.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly draining clay soils that hold excess water.
Do not ingest the green stems, leaves, or unripe fruits, as they contain toxic alkaloids.
Do not expect a single isolated plant to produce fruit.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Pinch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vegetable GardensEdible LandscapingContainers

Companion Plants

Solanum lycopersicum Capsicum annuum Ocimum basilicum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tomatillo questions

What zones can Tomatillo grow in?

Tomatillo is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Tomatillo bloom?

Tomatillo typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tomatillo need full sun?

Tomatillo does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Tomatillo drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tomatillo handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.