Purple Tomatillo Seeds

Get Purple Tomatillo seeds started indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date, as they need a head start to mature properly. Sow ¼ inch deep, about 1 inch apart, in a standard seed-starting mix. Germination happens when soil temperature is between 70–75°F, and below that seeds stall. If your space runs cool, use a heat mat under the tray to keep the temperature stable. Tomatillo Purple seeds typically sprout in 7–14 days. Keep the mix consistently moist but not wet.

Purple Tomatillo plants thrive in full sun. Provide them with at least 6–8 hours of direct light per day, and you will get heavy yields. Tomatillos grow in rich, well-drained soil. If your garden soil is average, work in a generous amount of compost before planting. Water deeply once a week rather than lightly every day. Always water at the base of the plant and keep the leaves dry. Mulching around the base helps hold moisture between waterings, which becomes noticeably important during dry summer weeks.

Don't rush with moving seedlings outdoors. Wait until the soil temperature has reached 70°F and the risk of frost has passed. Before planting seedlings outside, harden them off over 7–10 days. Once planted, put in a trellis or cage early, because the branches get heavy fast. Purple Tomatillos are not self-pollinating, so you must plant at least two tomatillo plants to allow for wind or insect cross-pollination; otherwise, fruit will not form. Fruits are ready around 90 days from transplanting. Harvest when the husk splits slightly and the purple color becomes deeper. If you leave them a little longer, they go soft and lose tartness.