VegetableTomatillo
Mexican Strain Tomatillo
Purple Tomatillo
Mexican Strain Tomatillo is a classic variety that brings authentic flavor to the summer garden, maturing in just 65 days from transplant. This cultivar produces the characteristic papery-husked fruits that define tomatillos, thriving in full sun with consistent moisture and warm growing conditions. Rich in phytochemicals and flavonoids that surpass tomatoes in mineral density, these small fruits pack surprising nutritional punch alongside their bright, tangy taste. Plant them 18 inches apart in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and you'll have a productive harvest by midsummer.
Lucas George Wendt(Pexels License)
Growing Conditions
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Preferred Temp70-85°F
Growth Stats
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush
Spacing
24-36 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
?-?
Size
?in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Mexican Strain Tomatillo delivers genuine tomatillo character in a relatively compact timeline. The fruits themselves are more nutrient-dense than tomatoes, loaded with unique phytochemicals and flavonoids that make them a nutritional standout. What sets this variety apart is its reliability and authentic flavor profile that makes it ideal for salsa verde and fresh preparations. The husk-enclosed fruits store well in cool conditions, extending your harvest well beyond the growing season.
Common Uses
Mexican Strain Tomatillos are a staple for preparing fresh salsa verde, where their bright acidity and firm texture shine. The fruits can be used raw or roasted to develop deeper, more complex flavors. Their mineral-rich composition and unique phytochemical profile make them valuable beyond simple preparations, suitable for sauces, preserves, and any dish where you want authentic tomatillo flavor.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Early Fall
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Sow seeds in trays 6 to 8 weeks before your anticipated transplant date. Once the first set of true leaves appears, transplant seedlings into 3 to 4 inch pots. Provide strong light and maintain cooler temperatures between 60°F and 70°F to prevent plants from becoming leggy and weak.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed and night temperatures stay around 55°F or warmer. Space plants 18 inches apart with 3 inches between rows. Harden off plants gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over several days before final planting.
Direct Sow
Direct sowing is not recommended for Mexican Strain Tomatillo.
Harvesting
Harvest fruits when the papery husk has dried and folded back to reveal a plump, firm tomatillo inside. The fruit should feel substantial and weighty, not soft or watery. Mexican Strain Tomatillos will be ready 65 days after transplant. Pick them promptly, if left on the plant too long, the fruits become watery and soft, losing the firm texture that makes them ideal for salsas and fresh preparations.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Scientific Classification
Physalis philadelphica Lam.
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
Physalis
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Forb/herb
Native Status
L48 (I)HI (I)CAN (I)