When to plant Shallot in Morton County, KS
Plant Shallot in Morton County after April 20; the prime window is April 6–April 27. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Morton County, KS
July in the garden — Morton County, Kansas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Morton County, Kansas this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Collect shallot at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: shallot
- Fall sowing: shallot
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.
Morton County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,054 feet, Morton County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Morton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.4
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 Morton County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.4) is more alkaline than Shallot prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Morton County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Shallot.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Shallot Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Morton 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 — Morton County, KS
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Morton County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Morton County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after April 20 in Morton 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.
Morton County receives only 24" of rain annually. Shallot needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Morton County, KS?
Morton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morton County, KS?
Morton County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Shallot in Morton County, KS?
In Morton County, KS, plant Shallot after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morton County, KS for Shallot?
Morton County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Morton County's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Morton County's temperate climate. Morton County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 17.
Your Morton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morton 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.