MERIDA MARKET TOMATILLO

Physalis ixocarpa

These are the best purple tomatillos we have grown so far. While these fruits are not as uniformly purple as our Purple Tomatillo (some are even white when ripe), the ones that are purple are super saturated with color and incredibly juicy, staining every batch of salsa with their deep purple hue. The plants are also far earlier to produce and the flavor much sweeter, with a delectable fragrance that reminds of Acorazonado. An excellent choice for lovers of raw tomatillo salsa.

Original seed stock was procured from a market in Mérida, capital of the Yucatán in Mexico. Likely a landrace, as there is notable diversity in plant growth and fruit color, though all are healthy and productive in diverse and challenging conditions. Did just as well in poor compacted clay soil in 2025 as in our rich loose established garden soil in 2022.

Start these seeds indoors, around 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. Tuck seeds just beneath the surface of moist soil, press to keep seed snug, and mist with warm water. Cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature. Kept warm (around 75°F) and moist in bright light, seeds should germinate within a week or so. Prick out seedlings with true leaves and transplant into individual pots or cells to grow on at warm room temperature in bright light. Harden off before transplanting into warm soil in full sun after all danger of frost has passed.

Like all tomatillos, these plants will root along the stems, and can be planted very deeply where heat and drought are inevitable. Cage or stake if you'd prefer they not sprawl prostrate, because at least some of them will. Plants are fairly compact, topping out around 3'. Indeterminate, early, and very productive. Only a hard freeze finally does them in. Unmarred fruits keep for several weeks on the kitchen counter after being picked. And unlike our Purple Tomatillo they rarely drop when ripe, keeping them safe from little critters.

Individual tomatillo plants cannot pollinate themselves, so grow at least three for best fruit production.

Grown by Farmacie Isolde.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.