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When to Plant Tomatillo in Falls County, TX

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

Falls County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.

At an elevation of 66 feet, Falls County receives approximately 66.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97Β°F, so Tomatillo may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Tomatillo, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.

Falls County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
241 days
Last Spring Frost March 17
241 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Falls County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.1-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatillo

Tomatillo needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Tomatillo Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 6.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Falls County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Tomatillo Planting Timeline β€” Falls County, TX

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 27 Jan 27 – Feb 10
Transplant Outdoors March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 14
Direct Sow March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 14
Harvest June 2 Jun 2 – Aug 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–85 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

241 days in Falls County

Growing Tips for Falls 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 Falls County, TX?

Falls County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Falls County, TX?

Falls County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 13.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Falls County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Falls County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.