When to plant Shallot in Kell, IL
Plant Shallot in Kell from March 27 to April 17 in spring. Kell sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 10 and first frost on October 19. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Kell, IL
Your August planting checklist for Marion County, Illinois
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this August, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Collect shallot at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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Get shallot in for a late-season harvest
Count back from your first frost (October 19) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
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.
Kell, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 964 feet, Marion County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Kell Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Shallot 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 Kell
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Shallot's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marion County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shallot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Shallot will thrive.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Shallot Water Budget
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marion 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 — Kell, IL
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Kell
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after April 10 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
When should I plant Shallot in Kell, IL?
In Kell, IL, plant Shallot after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kell, IL for Shallot?
Kell sits in USDA Zone 6b. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Kell's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Kell's temperate climate. Kell averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 19.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marion 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.