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When to Plant Shallot in Kendall 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.

Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 2,187 feet, Kendall County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, 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.

Kendall County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Kendall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 2 Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Jul 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 25

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 237 gal / 100 sq ft
Shallot needs ~2,231 GDD — county provides 5,440 GDD Excellent fit

Shallot Planting Timeline โ€” Kendall County, TX

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 โ€“ Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Direct Sow February 23 Feb 23 โ€“ Mar 16
Fall Sowing September 11 Sep 11 โ€“ Sep 25
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 โ€“ Jul 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

256 days

Growing Tips for Kendall 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 Kendall County, TX?

Kendall County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kendall County, TX?

Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Kendall County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Kendall County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.