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When to plant Tomatillo in Clark County, ID

In Clark County, Tomatillo is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 14–July 5 for an 60–85-day harvest, finishing well before the September 10 first frost.

When to Plant Tomatillo in Clark County, ID

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

Clark County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 95 days.

At an elevation of 7,493 feet, Clark County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall.

Clark County, ID (Zone 5b) Very short season
95 days
Last Spring Frost June 7
95 growing days
First Fall Frost September 10

Clark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Clark County, ID

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 12 Apr 12 – Apr 26
Transplant Outdoors June 21 Jun 21 – Jul 5
Direct Sow June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 5
Harvest August 23 Aug 23 – Nov 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

95 days in Clark County

Growing Tips for Clark 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 Clark County, ID?

Clark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clark County, ID?

Clark County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 10.

When should I plant Tomatillo in Clark County, ID?

In Clark County, ID, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around June 7) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clark County, ID for Tomatillo?

Clark County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Tomatillo grow in Clark County's climate?

Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 95-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 7 and first frost around September 10.

🌱

Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clark County (Zone 5b). 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 Clark County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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