When to Plant Shallot in Amador County, CA
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.
Amador County, California is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.
At an elevation of 1,335 feet, Amador County receives approximately 42.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Amador County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Shallot Planting Timeline — Amador County, CA
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Direct Sow | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
| Fall Sowing | September 16 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
262 days
Growing Tips for Amador 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
Level Up Your Garden
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Amador County, CA?
Amador County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Amador County, CA?
Amador County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Amador County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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