When to plant Tomatillo in Audubon County, IA
Spring Tomatillo in Audubon County goes in May 5–May 26, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Audubon County, IA
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Audubon County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 1,056 feet, Audubon County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Audubon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Audubon County, IA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| 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
158 days in Audubon County
Growing Tips for Audubon 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 Audubon County, IA?
Audubon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Audubon County, IA?
Audubon County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Audubon County, IA?
In Audubon County, IA, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Audubon County, IA for Tomatillo?
Audubon 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 Audubon County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Audubon County's temperate climate. Audubon County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 3.
Your Audubon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Audubon 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.