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When to Plant Tomatillo in Haiku, Hawaii (96708)

Location

Haiku, Hawaii

ZIP Code

96708

USDA Zone

12a

Last Frost

Thursday, January 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Based on last frost Thursday, January 1, 2026 · Zone 12a

Pro tip: Start Tomatillo seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Thursday, January 15, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Physalis philadelphica
Days to Maturity 75 days
Mature Height 36-60"
Spread 24"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

24" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Tomatillo in Haiku?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, November 20, 2025.

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🤝 Good Companions

BasilCarrotMarigoldPepper

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

FennelBrassicas
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Tomatillo

See which plants help Tomatillo thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let tomatillos stay on the plant until the husk turns tan and papery and the fruit dries inside.

Processing

Squash dried fruit to release seeds, spread on a screen to dry for 1–2 weeks.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Tomatillos need at least 2 plants for cross-pollination and fruit set. Isolate by 300 feet from other varieties.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 8 plants of Tomatillo. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in Haiku, Hawaii? +

In Haiku (Zone 12a), start Tomatillo seeds indoors around Thursday, November 20, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Thursday, January 15, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Haiku, Hawaii? +

The average last spring frost date for Haiku, Hawaii (ZIP 96708) is around Thursday, January 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 12a.

How long does Tomatillo take to grow? +

Tomatillo typically matures in about 75 days from transplanting. In Haiku, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, January 15, 2026 plus 75 days.

Should I start Tomatillo indoors or direct sow in Hawaii? +

Tomatillo should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Haiku, that means starting around Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Other Plants for Haiku

Growing Tomatillo in Zone 12a

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a popular garden vegetable. In Haiku, Hawaii, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 12a, you should start seeds indoors around Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, January 1, 2026. Plan to transplant your Tomatillo seedlings outdoors around Thursday, January 15, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.