When to plant Tomatillo in Brown County, IL
Plant Tomatillo in Brown County from April 24 to May 15 in spring. Brown County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around April 17 and first frost on October 16.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Brown County, IL
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 868 feet, Brown County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Brown County, IL
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Sep 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Brown County
Growing Tips for Brown 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
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Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Brown County, IL?
Brown County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, IL?
Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Brown County, IL?
In Brown County, IL, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Brown County, IL for Tomatillo?
Brown County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatillo grow in Brown County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Brown County's temperate climate. Brown County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.
Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.