When to plant Tomatillo in Lyon County, IA
Lyon County gardeners should plant Tomatillo between May 9 and May 30 in spring. With Lyon County's Zone 5a climate (last frost May 2), Tomatillo needs 60–85 days to mature — plant by July 9 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Lyon 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.
Lyon County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 1,045 feet, Lyon County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall.
Lyon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Lyon County, IA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 26 |
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
153 days in Lyon County
Growing Tips for Lyon 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 Lyon County, IA?
Lyon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lyon County, IA?
Lyon County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Lyon County, IA?
In Lyon County, IA, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lyon County, IA for Tomatillo?
Lyon 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 Lyon County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Lyon County's temperate climate. Lyon County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 2.
Your Lyon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lyon 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.