When to plant Tomatillo in Flathead County, MT
Flathead County's short 99-day growing season means one Tomatillo planting between June 10 and July 1. No fall crop in Zone 5a.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Flathead County, MT
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Flathead County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 99 days.
At an elevation of 6,233 feet, Flathead County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Flathead County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Flathead County, MT
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 |
| Direct Sow | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 1 |
| Harvest | August 19 | Aug 19 – Oct 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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
99 days in Flathead County
Growing Tips for Flathead 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 Flathead County, MT?
Flathead County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Flathead County, MT?
Flathead County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 10.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Flathead County, MT?
In Flathead County, MT, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around June 3) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Flathead County, MT for Tomatillo?
Flathead 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 Flathead County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Flathead County's temperate climate. Flathead County averages a 99-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 3 and first frost around September 10.
Your Flathead County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Flathead 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.