When to Plant Shallot in Cascade County, MT
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.
Cascade County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.
At an elevation of 6,585 feet, Cascade County receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.
Cascade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Shallot
Shallot needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Shallot Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Cascade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shallot Planting Timeline — Cascade County, MT
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | August 18 | Aug 18 – Oct 6 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
125 days in Cascade County
Growing Tips for Cascade 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Cascade County, MT?
Cascade County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cascade County, MT?
Cascade County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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