(70 Days) (Physalis Ixocarpa)
Purple Coban is a beautiful heirloom tomatillo that originated in Guatemala! These plants are productive, east to grow, and extremely heat tolerant. They produce tons of beautiful green and purple blushed fruit that are about an inch in diameter and ripen to deep purple with sun exposure as they mature. Purple Coban Tomatillos are perfect for sauces and various dishes and are sure to stand out in the garden!

Sowing: Start the seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring, sowing the seeds in a flat 1/4″ deep and 1″ apart. Keep the temperature at 70-75 degrees F until germination, as well as providing adequate light in a sunny window or under a grow light; keep the soil moist, but make sure drainage is adequate. When the second set of leaves emerges, transplant the seedlings into individual pots; bury the stems up to the lowest set of leaves to grow strongly rooted plants. A week before planting the seedlings outside, begin exposing them to the weather during the day to harden them; tomatoes cannot endure cold weather, and should not be transplanted outside until all threat of frost has passed. When the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees F, plant the seedlings in full sun and very rich soil; once more, bury the entire stem up to the lowest set of leaves.

Growing: Tomatillos grow best in hot sun and well-drained, somewhat rich soil. This plant should be provided with a trellis or support, since this protects it from various pests and diseases in connection with too much soil contact. Put the supports in place before the seedlings develop vines. As the vines begin to grow, tying them to the support helps their development. Since temperatures below 55 degrees F can damage production, protect the plants if temperatures drop. A thick layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and control weeds; water the plants once a week, but avoid getting the leaves wet.