Tomatillo in Zone 11a & 11b
Physalis philadelphica
Yes, tomatillo grows in zones 11a and 11b. Start seeds indoors Nov 13–Nov 20 and plant out Jan 22–Jan 29.
When to plant tomatillo in zone 11b
Zones 11a and 11b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Nov 13–Nov 20 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jan 22–Jan 29 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 28–Apr 4 (~65 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-4 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 11b
These go outside within two weeks of tomatillo in zone 11b, so one planting day can cover them.
- Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry)Jan 22–Jan 29
- YaconJan 22–Jan 29
- AchiraJan 15–Jan 22
- Birdhouse GourdJan 15–Jan 22
- CucamelonJan 15–Jan 22
- JicamaJan 15–Jan 22
Tomatillo is a tomato relative grown for its tart, green (or purple) fruit, each wrapped in a papery husk. It's a staple of salsa verde and green chili, and it grows a lot like a sprawling, vigorous tomato plant.
How tomatillo fits zone 11's season
Zone 11b is frost-free, so frost is not what limits the calendar here. What you can plant, and when, comes down to summer heat and daylength instead.
Tomatillo planting windows in every zone
Zone 11b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Apr 11–Apr 18 | Jun 20–Jun 27 | Aug 24–Aug 31 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 27–Apr 3 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | Aug 9–Aug 16 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 31–Jun 7 | Aug 4–Aug 11 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | May 16–May 23 | Jul 20–Jul 27 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 20–Feb 27 | May 1–May 8 | Jul 5–Jul 12 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | Jun 19–Jun 26 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Mar 8–Mar 15 | May 12–May 19 |
| 10a & 10b | Dec 12–Dec 19 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | Apr 26–May 3 |
| 11a & 11b (your zone) | Nov 13–Nov 20 | Jan 22–Jan 29 | Mar 28–Apr 4 |
Harvest dates are about 65 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for tomatillo.
Where to buy tomatillo seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's tomatillo seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Toma Verde: An early, sweet-flavored green tomatillo that SDSU Extension lists among the reliable home-garden picks. Buy: True Leaf Market · High Mowing Organic Seeds Full notes
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing tomatillo" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 11b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Tomatillo in USDA zone 11b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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