Blog

When to Plant Tomatillo in Fayette 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.

Fayette County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.

At an elevation of 57 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 70 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season. 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.

Fayette County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
274 days
Last Spring Frost February 27
274 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Fayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-8.2

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Fayette County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Fayette County, TX

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 16 Jan 16 – Jan 30
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 20
Harvest May 8 May 8 – Jul 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

274 days in Fayette County

Growing Tips for Fayette 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 Fayette County, TX?

Fayette County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fayette County, TX?

Fayette County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is November 28.

🌱

Your Fayette County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fayette County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.