When to Plant Tomatillo in Otero County, CO
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Otero County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 4,145 feet, Otero County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tomatillo successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Otero County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Otero County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.1) is more alkaline than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Otero County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatillo
Tomatillo needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatillo Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 1.4" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.8" | 1.5" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 1.1" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 1.5" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 1.3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 1.1" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 1.2" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Otero County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatillo Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Otero County, CO
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 |
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
1.1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Otero County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Otero County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after April 26 in Otero County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Tomatillo in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Otero County receives only 14" of rain annually. Tomatillo needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Otero County, CO?
Otero County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otero County, CO?
Otero County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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