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When to plant Tomatillo in Houston County, MN

Plant Tomatillo in Houston County from May 10 to May 31 in spring. Houston County sits in USDA Zone 5a, with last frost around May 3 and first frost on October 6.

When to Plant Tomatillo in Houston County, MN

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

Houston County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 558 feet, Houston County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall.

Houston County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Houston County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Houston County, MN

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 – May 31
Direct Sow May 10 May 10 – May 31
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 – Sep 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

156 days in Houston County

Growing Tips for Houston 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 Houston County, MN?

Houston County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Houston County, MN?

Houston County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Tomatillo in Houston County, MN?

In Houston County, MN, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Houston County, MN for Tomatillo?

Houston 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 Houston County's climate?

Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Houston County's temperate climate. Houston County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Houston County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Houston 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.

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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 Houston County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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