When To Plant Tomatillos

The best time to plant tomatillos is in the spring, after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
 
Knowing when to plant tomatillos is crucial because these heat-loving plants are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures.
 
If you plant tomatillos too early, a late frost can easily kill them or stunt their growth for the entire season.
 
In this post, we will cover the exact timing for when to plant tomatillos, along with tips for starting seeds indoors and transplanting them successfully.
 
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about getting your tomatillo plants off to a perfect start.
 

When To Plant Tomatillos: The Ideal Timing

The general rule for when to plant tomatillos is to wait until all danger of frost has completely passed.
 
Tomatillos are native to warm climates and they simply cannot handle freezing temperatures.
 
For most gardeners, this means planting tomatillos outdoors in late spring, usually two to three weeks after your area’s last expected frost date.
 
Here are the key factors that determine the best time to plant tomatillos in your specific garden.
 

1. Soil Temperature Matters

When to plant tomatillos isn’t just about the air temperature; you also need to consider the soil temperature.
 
Tomatillo seeds and transplants prefer soil that is consistently above 60°F (15°C).
 
If you plant tomatillos into cold, damp soil, the seeds may rot before they even have a chance to germinate.
 
Use a soil thermometer to check the ground temperature in the morning before you decide when to plant tomatillos.
 
Once the soil warms up and stays warm, you are safe to get them in the ground.
 

2. Your Growing Zone Determines the Calendar

The exact date for when to plant tomatillos will vary wildly depending on where you live.
 
If you’re in a northern state with a short growing season, you might not be able to plant tomatillos outdoors until late May or even early June.
 
If you’re in a southern state with warm springs, you can often plant tomatillos as early as March or April.
 
Check your local frost dates to pin down the precise window for when to plant tomatillos in your region.
 
A quick online search for your zip code will give you the average last frost date to use as your starting point.
 

Starting Tomatillo Seeds Indoors

Because the growing season for tomatillos is fairly long, many gardeners start seeds indoors before they can plant tomatillos outdoors.
 
This is a great way to get a head start and ensure a longer harvest period.
 
The key question is when to plant tomatillo seeds indoors so they are ready for transplanting at the perfect moment.
 

1. Count Back Six to Eight Weeks

You should start tomatillo seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before your planned outdoor planting date.
 
So, if you know you will plant tomatillos outdoors in mid-May, you should sow your seeds indoors in late March or early April.
 
This timing gives the seedlings enough time to develop strong stems and a good root system without becoming too leggy.
 

2. Provide Warmth and Light

When you plant tomatillo seeds indoors, they need warm conditions to germinate.
 
Place your seed trays on a heat mat to keep the soil around 75-80°F (24-27°C) for the fastest sprouting.
 
Once the seeds have sprouted, move them under a bright grow light for at least 14 hours a day.
 
Without enough light, your seedlings will stretch out and become weak, which will set them back when you plant tomatillos in the garden.
 

Transplanting Tomatillos into the Garden

Getting the timing right for transplanting is just as important as knowing when to plant tomatillo seeds.
 
You need to prepare your seedlings for the great outdoors through a process called hardening off.
 

1. The Hardening Off Period

About a week before you plan to plant tomatillos outside, start bringing your seedlings outdoors for a few hours each day.
 
Place them in a sheltered, shady spot and gradually increase their exposure to sun and wind over several days.
 
This process is vital because it reduces transplant shock and prevents sunburn on the leaves.
 
After a week of this, your seedlings will be tough enough for their permanent home.
 

2. Planting Depth and Spacing

When you are ready to plant tomatillos, dig a hole that is slightly deeper than the root ball.
 
You can bury the stem up to the first set of leaves, just like you do with tomatoes, to encourage stronger root growth.
 
Space your tomatillo plants about 36 inches apart to give them plenty of room to spread out.
 
Also, remember that tomatillos require at least two plants for proper pollination.
 
You must plant tomatillos in pairs to ensure they produce fruit, as a single plant will not set a good crop.
 

3. Protecting Against Late Cold Snaps

Even if you think you know exactly when to plant tomatillos, Mother Nature can be unpredictable.
 
Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and if a late frost is predicted, cover your new transplants with a frost cloth or a plastic jug.
 
This simple protection can be the difference between thriving plants and dead ones.
 

When To Plant Tomatillos for a Fall Harvest

Most gardeners plant tomatillos in the spring, but you can also plant tomatillos for a fall crop if you live in a warm climate.
 
To do this, you will need to work backward from your first expected fall frost date.
 
You should plant tomatillo seeds or transplants about 90 days before that date.
 
This allows them enough time to mature and produce fruit before the cold weather arrives.
 
Fall-planted tomatillos can actually be more productive because the cooler nights encourage heavier fruiting.
 
Just be sure you have enough time on your calendar before the season ends.
 

So, When To Plant Tomatillos?

The best time to plant tomatillos is in the spring, after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
 
Specifically, you should plant tomatillos outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F and all danger of frost is gone.
 
If you start seeds indoors, time that planting for six to eight weeks before your expected transplant date.
 
Knowing when to plant tomatillos in your unique growing zone is the first step to a bountiful harvest of these tangy, delicious fruits.
 
Now that you have the perfect timing down, you can confidently plant tomatillos and enjoy fresh salsa verde all summer long.