When to plant Shallot in Pitkin County, CO
For Shallot in Pitkin County, the safe spring window opens around June 2 and closes around June 23. Last expected frost is June 16, first fall frost September 7, giving a 83-day growing season. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Pitkin County, CO
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.
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 6,411 feet, Pitkin County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Shallot successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pitkin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shallot Planting Timeline — Pitkin County, CO
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | September 15 | Sep 15 – Nov 3 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Pitkin County
Growing Tips for Pitkin 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
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Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
When should I plant Shallot in Pitkin County, CO?
In Pitkin County, CO, plant Shallot after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pitkin County, CO for Shallot?
Pitkin County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Pitkin County's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Pitkin County's temperate climate. Pitkin County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.
Your Pitkin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pitkin County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.