When to Plant Tomatillo in Louisa 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.
Louisa County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,022 feet, Louisa County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Louisa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Louisa County, IA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
183 days
Growing Tips for Louisa 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 Louisa County, IA?
Louisa County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Louisa County, IA?
Louisa County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Louisa County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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