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When to Plant Shallot in Metcalfe 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.

Metcalfe County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.

At an elevation of 2,244 feet, Metcalfe County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shallot root diseases.

Metcalfe County, KY (Zone 6b) Long season
202 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
202 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Metcalfe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Aug 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (62 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 11

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 ~1,680 GDD — county provides 3,232 GDD Excellent fit

Shallot Planting Timeline โ€” Metcalfe County, KY

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 16
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 โ€“ Sep 2
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 โ€“ Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
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 6b

Growing Season

202 days

Growing Tips for Metcalfe 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 Metcalfe County, KY?

Metcalfe County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Metcalfe County, KY?

Metcalfe County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Metcalfe County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.