When to plant Tomatillo in Carroll County, IL
Carroll County's climate puts the Tomatillo spring window between April 29 and May 20. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Carroll 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.
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 778 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IL
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 16 |
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 5a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Carroll County
Growing Tips for Carroll 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 Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Carroll County, IL?
In Carroll County, IL, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carroll County, IL for Tomatillo?
Carroll County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatillo grow in Carroll County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Carroll County's temperate climate. Carroll County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 13.
Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carroll County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.