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When to plant Tomatillo in Steinhatchee, FL

The best window to plant Tomatillo in Steinhatchee, is March 6–March 27, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 6; first frost November 23.

When to Plant Tomatillo in Steinhatchee, FL

Taylor County, Florida Zone 9a July

What to do in July

Welcome to July in Zone 9a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost March 6
Avg. first frost November 23
Soil temp (4") 92°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs
  1. Bring in the tomatillo

    Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.

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

Steinhatchee, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 344 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season. 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.

Steinhatchee, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Steinhatchee Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-6.1

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 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Steinhatchee, FL

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 23 Jan 23 – Feb 6
Transplant Outdoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Direct Sow March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 27
Harvest May 15 May 15 – Jul 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
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

262 days in Taylor County

Growing Tips for Steinhatchee

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 →

When should I plant Tomatillo in Steinhatchee, FL?

In Steinhatchee, FL, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Steinhatchee, FL for Tomatillo?

Steinhatchee sits in USDA Zone 9a. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Tomatillo grow in Steinhatchee's climate?

Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Steinhatchee's temperate climate. Steinhatchee averages a 262-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 23.

🌱

Your Taylor County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Taylor 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.

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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 Taylor County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.