When to plant Shallot in Madison County, IA
For Madison County, gardeners: plant Shallot April 10 through May 1 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Madison County, IA
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.
Madison County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,022 feet, Madison County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Shallot Planting Timeline — Madison County, IA
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
170 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, IA?
Madison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, IA?
Madison County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Shallot in Madison County, IA?
In Madison County, IA, plant Shallot after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, IA for Shallot?
Madison 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 Madison County's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.