When to Plant Tomatillo in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (70821)

Location

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

ZIP Code

70821

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, January 9, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, March 6, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, February 20, 2026 · Zone 9a

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

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🌿 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 Baton Rouge?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 9, 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

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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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 Baton Rouge, Louisiana? +

In Baton Rouge (Zone 9a), start Tomatillo seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Baton Rouge, Louisiana? +

The average last spring frost date for Baton Rouge, Louisiana (ZIP 70821) is around Friday, February 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9a.

How long does Tomatillo take to grow? +

Tomatillo typically matures in about 75 days from transplanting. In Baton Rouge, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 6, 2026 plus 75 days.

Should I start Tomatillo indoors or direct sow in Louisiana? +

Tomatillo should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Baton Rouge, that means starting around Friday, January 9, 2026.

📚 More Tomatillo Planting Guides

🗺️

Tomatillo in Louisiana

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9a Tomatillo Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Baton Rouge

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Growing Tomatillo in Zone 9a

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a popular garden vegetable. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, February 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Tomatillo seedlings outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.