When to Plant Shallot in Modoc County, CA
This month in Modoc County, California
Welcome to May in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Move shallot into the garden
Frost risk is low now in Modoc County, California. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Direct-sow shallot
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
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.
Modoc County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 2,205 feet, Modoc County receives approximately 28.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.
Modoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Modoc County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.4) overlaps with Shallot's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Modoc County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shallot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Shallot.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Modoc County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shallot Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Shallot Planting Timeline — Modoc County, CA
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 30 | Aug 30 – Oct 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
113 days in Modoc County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Modoc County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after May 31 in Modoc County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 113.0-day growing season in Modoc County is tight for Shallot (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Shallot in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Modoc County, CA?
Modoc County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Modoc County, CA?
Modoc County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your Modoc County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Modoc County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.