When to plant Shallot in Putnam County, IL
Plant Shallot in Putnam County from April 7 to April 28 in spring. Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 21 and first frost on October 13. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Putnam County, IL
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.
Putnam County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 582 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Putnam County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shallot Planting Timeline — Putnam County, IL
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 8 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Putnam County
Growing Tips for Putnam 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Putnam County, IL?
Putnam County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Putnam County, IL?
Putnam County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Shallot in Putnam County, IL?
In Putnam County, IL, plant Shallot after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Putnam County, IL for Shallot?
Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Putnam County's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 13.
Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.