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When to plant Shallot in Baldwin County, AL

Plant Shallot in Baldwin County after March 3; the prime window is February 10–March 3. A second sowing from September 29 to October 13 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Shallot in Baldwin County, AL

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.

Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.

At an elevation of 336 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Shallot may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.

Baldwin County, AL (Zone 9a) Long season
266 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
266 growing days
First Fall Frost November 24

Baldwin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Shallot

Shallot needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Shallot Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baldwin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Shallot Planting Timeline — Baldwin County, AL

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Direct Sow February 10 Feb 10 – Mar 3
Harvest June 2 Jun 2 – Jul 21
Fall Sowing September 29 Sep 29 – Oct 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

266 days in Baldwin County

Growing Tips for Baldwin 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shallot in Baldwin County, AL?

Baldwin County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baldwin County, AL?

Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.

When should I plant Shallot in Baldwin County, AL?

In Baldwin County, AL, plant Shallot after the last frost (around March 3) and before the first frost (around November 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Baldwin County, AL for Shallot?

Baldwin County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Shallot grow in Baldwin County's climate?

Yes — Shallot grows well in Baldwin County's temperate climate. Baldwin County averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 3 and first frost around November 24.

🌱

Your Baldwin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Baldwin County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Baldwin County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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