How to Grow Tomatillo
Get Your Exact Tomatillo Planting Dates
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Your Tomatillo dates ·
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
Water
Regular (1-2 inches/week)
Spacing
24" apart
Depth
0.25" deep
Height
3-5 ft
Germination
7-14 days
Ready to Grow Tomatillo?
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Seed Saving Guide
EasyWhen 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.
Seed Storage Supplies
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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 →
Tomatillo Planting Calendar by Zone
Tomatillo Planting Calendar by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo? +
Start Tomatillo seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Tomatillo take to grow? +
Tomatillo typically matures in about 75 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Tomatillo indoors or direct sow? +
Tomatillo should be started indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Tomatillo need? +
Tomatillo requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Tomatillo? +
Space Tomatillo plants 24 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Tomatillo need? +
Tomatillo has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Tomatillo? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Tomatillo is rated easy. Let tomatillos stay on the plant until the husk turns tan and papery and the fruit dries inside. Squash dried fruit to release seeds, spread on a screen to dry for 1–2 weeks.
How long do Tomatillo seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Tomatillo seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Tomatillo seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Tomatillo is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Tomatillo
Tart green fruit used in salsa verde and Mexican cuisine. Needs two plants for pollination. Easy to grow in warm climates.
Expect your Tomatillo to be ready for harvest in approximately 75 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.