When to Plant Tomatillo in Maui County, HI
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Maui County, Hawaii is in USDA Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
At an elevation of 24 feet, Maui County receives approximately 75.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silty 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.
Maui County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silty Clay
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
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 Maui County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.5) is more acidic than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Your silty clay soil in Maui County is workable for Tomatillo. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Plant Water Budget
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 | 4.8" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 4.8" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.8" | 11.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.8" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.8" | 3.8" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 2.4" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 1.8" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 2.6" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.3" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.8" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 4.8" | 9.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Maui 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 — Maui County, HI
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | November 20 | Nov 20 – Dec 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Direct Sow | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 22 |
| Harvest | March 12 | Mar 12 – May 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Start Indoors |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 11a
📆 Growing Season
364 days in Maui County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Maui County
With Maui County's clay soil (38% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Tomatillo. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Tomatillo in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
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Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Maui County, HI?
Maui County is in Zone 11a with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Maui County, HI?
Maui County, Hawaii is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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