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When to Plant Shallot in Upshur 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.

Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 51 feet, Upshur County receives approximately 74 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shallot root diseases.

Upshur County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Upshur County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (113 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 2 Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Jul 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 22 Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 16

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Shallot needs ~2,231 GDD — county provides 5,376 GDD Excellent fit

Shallot Planting Timeline โ€” Upshur 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 8 Sep 8 โ€“ Sep 22
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

253 days

Growing Tips for Upshur 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 Upshur County, TX?

Upshur 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 Upshur County, TX?

Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Upshur County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.