When to Plant Shallot in Bell County, KY
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.
Bell County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 2,589 feet, Bell County receives approximately 46.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Bell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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
Shallot Planting Timeline — Bell County, KY
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
186 days
Growing Tips for Bell 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 Bell County, KY?
Bell County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bell County, KY?
Bell County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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