When to Plant Shallot in Polk County, OR
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.
Polk County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 331 feet, Polk County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shallot root diseases.
Polk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Polk County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Shallot's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Polk County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Shallot will thrive.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Shallot Planting Timeline — Polk County, OR
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Polk County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Polk County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after April 10 in Polk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Shallot in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Polk County, OR?
Polk County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Polk County, OR?
Polk County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Polk County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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