Purple tomatillo

An unusual tomatillo, with that striking purple colour that sets it apart at first glance — decorative in the garden and versatile in the kitchen.

About the variety. It produces round fruits 3 to 5 cm in diameter and 20 to 30 g in weight, with a purplish-white flesh. Its bittersweet flavour and crisp texture are its greatest assets. When fully ripe, the flesh turns completely purple and the acidity noticeably decreases. Plants can reach 180 cm and have undeniable ornamental value.

€1,50

Itinerário técnico

Como cultivar purple tomatillo?

Um guia de cultivo passo a passo, da sementeira à colheita.

pH ideal 6.5 and 7.0Temperatura ideal 25°C and 32°C

Sementeira

Can be done in the final location or in a tray with transplanting 6 to 8 weeks later, when the plants are around 10 cm tall. It can be sown in rows, with 45 to 90 cm between plants and 90 cm between rows.

Solo

The crop prefers sandy, well-drained, fertile soils, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.

Clima

Grows best in warm climates, as it is a cold-sensitive crop requiring minimum temperatures above 16°C, ideally between 25°C and 32°C. Should be planted in locations with good sun exposure.

Fertilização

Some compost can be incorporated as base fertilization, as it is a crop with some special phosphorus requirements.

Rega

Although this crop becomes more drought-resistant as its cycle progresses, irrigation is recommended, always taking into account the soil moisture level, which should remain consistently moist but never waterlogged. Drip irrigation is therefore a good solution.

Controlo de Infestantes

Mulching with organic materials or plastic is a good option for the crop, helping to prevent competition between weeds and the crop (especially during the first few weeks).

Controlo de Pragas

Cutworms and nematodes are pests of this crop. To control cutworms, avoid using fresh manure, apply bait with bran + molasses + Bacillus thuringiensis on the soil near the crop, use Bacillus thuringiensis as a spray, and employ biological control with Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes.

Doenças

With proper crop rotations, wide plant spacing, removal of diseased plants, avoiding excess vigor and avoiding water on the plants, these measures are normally sufficient to keep the crop free from disease outbreaks.