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When to Plant Shallot in Cloud County, KS

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.

Cloud County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 810 feet, Cloud County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.

Cloud County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Cloud County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Aug 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Sep 17

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 967 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Shallot needs ~1,365 GDD — county provides 2,405 GDD Excellent fit

Shallot Planting Timeline โ€” Cloud County, KS

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ Apr 30
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 23
Fall Sowing August 9 Aug 9 โ€“ Aug 23
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Sep 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

185 days

Growing Tips for Cloud 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shallot in Cloud County, KS?

Cloud County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cloud County, KS?

Cloud County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cloud County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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