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When to Plant Tomatillo in Comstock, New York (12821)

Location

Comstock, New York

ZIP Code

12821

USDA Zone

5a

Last Frost

Sunday, May 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, May 10, 2026 · Zone 5a

Pro tip: Start Tomatillo seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, May 24, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Physalis philadelphica
Days to Maturity 75 days
Mature Height 36-60"
Spread 24"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

24" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Tomatillo in Comstock?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, March 29, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BasilCarrotMarigoldPepper

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

FennelBrassicas
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Tomatillo

See which plants help Tomatillo thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let tomatillos stay on the plant until the husk turns tan and papery and the fruit dries inside.

Processing

Squash dried fruit to release seeds, spread on a screen to dry for 1–2 weeks.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Tomatillos need at least 2 plants for cross-pollination and fruit set. Isolate by 300 feet from other varieties.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 8 plants of Tomatillo. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in Comstock, New York? +

In Comstock (Zone 5a), start Tomatillo seeds indoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, May 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Comstock, New York? +

The average last spring frost date for Comstock, New York (ZIP 12821) is around Sunday, May 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5a.

How long does Tomatillo take to grow? +

Tomatillo typically matures in about 75 days from transplanting. In Comstock, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, May 24, 2026 plus 75 days.

Should I start Tomatillo indoors or direct sow in New York? +

Tomatillo should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Comstock, that means starting around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Other Plants for Comstock

Growing Tomatillo in Zone 5a

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a popular garden vegetable. In Comstock, New York, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, May 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Tomatillo seedlings outdoors around Sunday, May 24, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.