When to Plant Tomatillo in Adams County, IA
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Adams County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 998 feet, Adams County receives approximately 32.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Adams County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Adams County, IA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
170 days
Growing Tips for Adams 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
Level Up Your Garden
Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Adams County, IA?
Adams County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Adams County, IA?
Adams County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Adams County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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