Blog

When to Plant Shallot in Maverick 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.

Maverick County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.

At an elevation of 4,473 feet, Maverick County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Shallot may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Shallot will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Maverick County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
261 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
261 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21

Maverick County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.3-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (128 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 13 Transplant: Feb 17 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Jul 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (120 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 14

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,457 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Shallot needs ~2,231 GDD — county provides 5,546 GDD Excellent fit

Shallot Planting Timeline โ€” Maverick County, TX

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 โ€“ Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 12
Fall Sowing September 12 Sep 12 โ€“ Sep 26
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 โ€“ Jul 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
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 8b

Growing Season

261 days

Growing Tips for Maverick 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shallot in Maverick County, TX?

Maverick County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Maverick County, TX?

Maverick County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Maverick County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Maverick County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.