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
Where Can You Grow Shallot?
Shallot Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Shallot planting schedule for that location.
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 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 4a – 10b
Growing Tips
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
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Shallot by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
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.