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When to plant Tomatillo in Jackson County, AL

For Tomatillo in Jackson County, the safe spring window opens around April 14 and closes around May 5. Last expected frost is April 7, first fall frost October 29, giving a 205-day growing season.

When to Plant Tomatillo in Jackson County, AL

Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.

Jackson County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 302 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Tomatillo, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.

Jackson County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatillo

Tomatillo needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Tomatillo Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Jackson County, AL

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Direct Sow April 14 Apr 14 – May 5
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Sep 1

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

205 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson County

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Plant at least two plants for cross-pollination. Harvest when fruits fill the husk and it begins to split.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel
  • Dill

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in Jackson County, AL?

Jackson County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, AL?

Jackson County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Tomatillo in Jackson County, AL?

In Jackson County, AL, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, AL for Tomatillo?

Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Tomatillo grow in Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jackson County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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