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When to Plant Tomatillo in Morris County, NJ

Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.

Morris County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 227 feet, Morris County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.

Morris County, NJ (Zone 6b) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Morris County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatillo

Tomatillo needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Tomatillo Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3" 1.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Morris County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Tomatillo Planting Timeline β€” Morris County, NJ

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 – Apr 26
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 26
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Aug 23

Plant 1" deep Β· 15" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March β€”
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–85 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

πŸ“† Growing Season

228 days in Morris County

Growing Tips for Morris 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

  • Fennel
  • Dill

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in Morris County, NJ?

Morris County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Morris County, NJ?

Morris County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Morris County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Morris County, NJ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.