Blog

When to Plant Shallot in USDA Zone 7b

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.

In Zone 7b, the average last spring frost is around March 18 and the first fall frost is around November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

Zone 7b Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Shallot Planting Timeline — Zone 7b

Where Is USDA Zone 7b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7b. Click any state to see the Shallot planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Shallot Planting Calendar — Zone 7b

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 1
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 – Aug 5
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 – Sep 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Free Zone 7b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

Get My Free Calendar →

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

Days to Maturity

90–120 days

Soil pH

6 – 7

Zone Temperature Range

5°F to 10°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

235 days (Zone 7b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth1 inches
Plant Spacing6 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Shallot in Zone 7b

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

Saving Shallot Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

🌱
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

🏷️
Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

Related Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shallot in Zone 7b?

In Zone 7b, plan your Shallot planting around the average last frost date of March 18. Start seeds indoors around February 11. Direct sow outdoors around March 4. Transplant seedlings around March 18.

Can Shallot grow in Zone 7b?

Yes, Shallot can grow well in Zone 7b, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 10b. Zone 7b has a growing season of approximately 235 days, which is sufficient for Shallot (90-120 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Shallot in Zone 7b?

In Zone 7b, expect to harvest Shallot from June 17 – August 5. Shallot takes 90-120 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 7b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 7b is around March 18, and the first fall frost is around November 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 235 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Shallot?

Good companion plants for Shallot include Carrots, Beets, Lettuce. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 7b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.