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When to plant Shallot in Olmsted County, MN

Plant Shallot in Olmsted County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 26. Continue planting through May 17 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Shallot in Olmsted County, MN

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.

Olmsted County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.

At an elevation of 992 feet, Olmsted County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.

Olmsted County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
154 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
154 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Olmsted County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Shallot Planting Timeline — Olmsted County, MN

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 – May 17
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 – May 17
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 – Sep 20
Fall Sowing July 12 Jul 12 – Jul 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
August 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 4b

📆 Growing Season

154 days in Olmsted County

Growing Tips for Olmsted 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 Olmsted County, MN?

Olmsted County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Olmsted County, MN?

Olmsted County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 4.

When should I plant Shallot in Olmsted County, MN?

In Olmsted County, MN, plant Shallot after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Olmsted County, MN for Shallot?

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

Can Shallot grow in Olmsted County's climate?

Yes — Shallot grows well in Olmsted County's temperate climate. Olmsted County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 4.

🌱

Your Olmsted County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Olmsted County (Zone 4b). 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 Olmsted County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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