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When to Plant Shallot in Bee County, TX

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.

Bee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 301 days.

At an elevation of 2,076 feet, Bee County receives approximately 68.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103ยฐF, so Shallot may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shallot root diseases.

Bee County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
301 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
301 growing days
First Fall Frost December 11

Bee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (173 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 29 Transplant: Jan 26 🍅 Harvest: Apr 27 – Jun 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (161 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Feb 13 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (151 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Jul 23

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 135 gal / 100 sq ft
Shallot needs ~2,861 GDD — county provides 8,229 GDD Excellent fit

Shallot Planting Timeline โ€” Bee County, TX

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 16 Jan 16 โ€“ Jan 30
Transplant Outdoors February 13 Feb 13 โ€“ Feb 27
Direct Sow January 23 Jan 23 โ€“ Feb 13
Fall Sowing October 16 Oct 16 โ€“ Oct 30
Harvest May 15 May 15 โ€“ Jul 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

Growing Season

301 days

Growing Tips for Bee 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 Bee County, TX?

Bee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bee County, TX?

Bee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bee County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Bee County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.