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When to plant Shallot in Polk County, FL

Plant Shallot in Polk County after January 25; the prime window is January 4–January 25. A second sowing from October 24 to November 7 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Shallot in Polk County, FL

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.

Polk County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 328 days.

At an elevation of 236 feet, Polk County receives approximately 58.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°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.

Polk County, FL (Zone 10a) Year-round
328 days
Last Spring Frost January 25
328 growing days
First Fall Frost December 19

Polk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Shallot Planting Timeline — Polk County, FL

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 28 Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 8
Direct Sow January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 25
Harvest April 26 Apr 26 – Jun 14
Fall Sowing October 24 Oct 24 – Nov 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 10a

📆 Growing Season

328 days in Polk County

Growing Tips for Polk 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 Polk County, FL?

Polk County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Polk County, FL?

Polk County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 19.

When should I plant Shallot in Polk County, FL?

In Polk County, FL, plant Shallot after the last frost (around January 25) and before the first frost (around December 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Polk County, FL for Shallot?

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

Can Shallot grow in Polk County's climate?

Yes — Shallot grows well in Polk County's temperate climate. Polk County averages a 329-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 25 and first frost around December 19.

🌱

Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Polk County (Zone 10a). 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 Polk County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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