When to Plant Tomatillo in Los Angeles, California (90021)

Location

Los Angeles, California

ZIP Code

90021

USDA Zone

10b

Last Frost

Thursday, January 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Based on last frost Thursday, January 15, 2026 · Zone 10b

Pro tip: Start Tomatillo seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Thursday, January 29, 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 Los Angeles?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, December 4, 2025.

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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 Los Angeles, California? +

In Los Angeles (Zone 10b), start Tomatillo seeds indoors around Thursday, December 4, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Thursday, January 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Los Angeles, California? +

The average last spring frost date for Los Angeles, California (ZIP 90021) is around Thursday, January 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 10b.

How long does Tomatillo take to grow? +

Tomatillo typically matures in about 75 days from transplanting. In Los Angeles, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, January 29, 2026 plus 75 days.

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

Tomatillo should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Los Angeles, that means starting around Thursday, December 4, 2025.

📚 More Tomatillo Planting Guides

🗺️

Tomatillo in California

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 10b Tomatillo Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Tomatillo in Zone 10b

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a popular garden vegetable. In Los Angeles, California, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b, you should start seeds indoors around Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, January 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Tomatillo seedlings outdoors around Thursday, January 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.