Shallot Planting Guide

Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.

Allium cepa var. aggregatum · Vegetable · Amaryllidaceae family · 90–120 days to maturity

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Where Can You Grow Shallot?

Zone Compatibility for Shallot Zones 4a – 10b

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

Ideal (data available) Suitable Marginal Not recommended

Planting Dates by Zone

Zone	Start Indoors	Direct Sow	Transplant	Harvest
Zone 4a	Mar 25	Apr 29	May 6	Aug 5 – Sep 23
Zone 4b	Mar 20	Apr 24	May 1	Jul 31 – Sep 18
Zone 5a	Mar 21	Apr 11	Apr 25	Jul 25 – Sep 12
Zone 5b	Mar 14	Apr 4	Apr 18	Jul 18 – Sep 5
Zone 6a	Mar 6	Mar 27	Apr 10	Jul 10 – Aug 28
Zone 6b	Feb 27	Mar 20	Apr 3	Jul 3 – Aug 21
Zone 7a	Feb 18	Mar 11	Mar 25	Jun 24 – Aug 12
Zone 7b	Feb 11	Mar 4	Mar 18	Jun 17 – Aug 5
Zone 8a	Feb 1	Feb 22	Mar 8	Jun 7 – Jul 26
Zone 8b	Jan 21	Feb 11	Feb 25	May 27 – Jul 15
Zone 9a	Jan 13	Jan 20	Feb 10	May 12 – Jun 30
Zone 9b	Dec 28	Jan 4	Jan 25	Apr 26 – Jun 14
Zone 10a	Dec 4	Dec 11	Jan 1	Apr 2 – May 21
Zone 10b	Dec 4	Dec 11	Jan 1	Apr 2 – May 21

Why are some columns showing "—"?

Transplant shows "—" because Shallot is best direct sown where it will grow. Transplanting can disturb the roots and slow growth.

How to Plant Shallot

Planting Depth

Between Plants

12"

Between Rows

🍂 Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.

🧪 Soil pH

6 – 7

Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.

🗺️ Hardiness Zones

Zone 4a – 10b

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

Medium-season crop. Start early for best results in shorter seasons.

👪 Plant Family

Amaryllidaceae

Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Amaryllidaceae family crops grew last year.

How Much Shallot to Grow

Shallot takes 90–120 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.

Companion Planting for Shallot

✅ Good Companions

Carrots Beets Lettuce

❌ Keep Away From

Peas Green Beans

Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Growing Tips for Shallot

Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.

Saving Shallot Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

🧪

Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

🏷️

Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

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Seed Saving & Storage Guide

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Learn More →

Shallot by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Shallot?

Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) takes 90 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.

What zones can Shallot grow in?

Shallot can be grown in USDA zones 4a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.

How much sun does Shallot need?

Growing Shallot requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.

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