Blog

When to Plant Shallot in Cleburne County, AL

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.

Cleburne County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.

At an elevation of 207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 57.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Shallot, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shallot root diseases.

Cleburne County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
214 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
214 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Cleburne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Aug 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (74 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Aug 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (77 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 5

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Shallot needs ~1,916 GDD — county provides 3,905 GDD Excellent fit

Shallot Planting Timeline โ€” Cleburne County, AL

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 โ€“ Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Direct Sow March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 8
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 โ€“ Sep 6
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 โ€“ Aug 19

Plant 1" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

214 days

Growing Tips for Cleburne County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shallot in Cleburne County, AL?

Cleburne County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cleburne County, AL?

Cleburne County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cleburne County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cleburne County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.