When to plant Tomatillo in Clay County, FL
Plant Tomatillo in Clay County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 18. Continue planting through March 11 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Clay County, FL
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 282 days.
At an elevation of 122 feet, Clay County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Tomatillo may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tomatillo will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Clay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Clay County, FL
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jul 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
282 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Clay 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Clay County, FL?
Clay County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, FL?
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Clay County, FL?
In Clay County, FL, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around February 18) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clay County, FL for Tomatillo?
Clay County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatillo grow in Clay County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 283-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 18 and first frost around November 27.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.