When to Plant Shallot in USDA Zone 7b
May in the garden — Zone 7b
May is a pivotal month for Zone 7b gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start shallot under lights
These need a head start before your last frost (April 6). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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.
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.
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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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.
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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
235 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 6 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Shallot in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~235 days). Start Shallot indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
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Saving Shallot Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Shallot in Other Zones
Shallot by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.