When to Plant Tomatillo in Worth 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.
Worth County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 886 feet, Worth County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall.
Worth 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 — Worth County, IA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Direct Sow | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
160 days
Growing Tips for Worth 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 Worth County, IA?
Worth County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Worth County, IA?
Worth County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Worth County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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