Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Solanaceae
Native
Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala
Life Cycle
Annual
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Further Information
Growing Conditions
- Frost Sensitive
- Heat Tolerant
About Purple Tomatillo Seeds
Physalis philadelphica
Green, 1"–1¼" fruits turn purple and sweeter as they ripen.
Planting Tomatillo
Plant Spacing
A group of 3 seeds every 36"
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Planting Depth
¼"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet yields approximately 78 plants when started indoors. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | 36" |
| Seed Depth | ¼" |
| Seed Spacing | A group of 3 seeds every 36" |
| Thinning | When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 36" |
| Germination | 10 Days |
| Start Indoors | RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 80° – 85°F. |
| Direct Sow | For mild climates only: 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 9 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
12 reviews
- CindyRated 5 out of 5 stars11/22/25Nostalgic
So these are actually wild “milpa” tomatillos. They are native to my hometown. It’s so great to be able to grow what my grandma grew in Mexico and actually have them do so good. They actually grow like weeds! I love the taste. They are actually ripe when they fall off the vine so wait for them to fall. Also, don’t over cook them. The flavor goes rancid if you do. You will probably only have to buy them once and then you will be pulling the excess to let other things grow!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests11/24/25Hey Cindy,
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story about our Purple Tomatillo Seeds! We love hearing about that special connection to your grandma and your hometown in Mexico - there's something truly magical about growing the same varieties that our families grew generations ago. It's amazing that these wild "milpa" tomatillos are thriving so well for you and growing like weeds! Thanks for sharing those helpful growing tips about waiting for them to fall off the vine and not overcooking them - that's the kind of wisdom that comes from generations of experience. We're thrilled that you'll have plenty to share and that they're bringing those nostalgic flavors back to your garden. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Courtney G.AL, United StatesRated 5 out of 5 stars7/30/25Huge!
I started these indoors and transplanted them outside in the spring. I live in 8A and they are just starting to fruit. The plants are absolutely massive and thriving. I am so excited to harvest.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised BedBIBotanical Interests8/4/25Hey Courtney G.,
Great photos! We're so excited for you as you approach harvest time - there's nothing quite like that anticipation when you can see the fruits just starting to develop on those beautiful, vigorous plants! Your success story really shows what amazing results you can get with proper indoor starting and careful transplanting. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Monique M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1/4/255 Stars
These flowered so quickly..excited for their continued growth
- LucasVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/28/245 Stars
Best seeds
- LucasRated 5 out of 5 stars7/28/245 Stars
Best seeds