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When to Plant Shallot in Wharton 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.

Wharton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.

At an elevation of 207 feet, Wharton County receives approximately 64.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, 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.

Wharton County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
292 days
Last Spring Frost February 17
292 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Wharton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (155 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 8 Transplant: Feb 5 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jun 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (152 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 20 Transplant: Feb 17 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jul 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (144 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Jul 30

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 185 gal / 100 sq ft
Shallot needs ~2,468 GDD — county provides 6,885 GDD Excellent fit

Shallot Planting Timeline โ€” Wharton County, TX

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 20 Jan 20 โ€“ Feb 3
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 โ€“ Mar 3
Direct Sow January 27 Jan 27 โ€“ Feb 17
Fall Sowing October 11 Oct 11 โ€“ Oct 25
Harvest May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jul 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
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

292 days

Growing Tips for Wharton 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 Wharton County, TX?

Wharton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wharton County, TX?

Wharton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wharton 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 Wharton County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.