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When to Plant Tomatillo in Tennessee

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

Tennessee spans USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Tomatillo planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Tomatillo Planting Calendar for Tennessee

Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 28
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Aug 19
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Aug 12

Growing Tips for Tennessee

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in Tennessee?

Planting dates for Tomatillo in Tennessee depend on your USDA zone. Tennessee spans zones 6b, 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Tennessee for planting?

Tennessee contains USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.