When to plant Shallot in Washington County, MN
Washington County's spring Shallot window runs April 9 through April 30. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Washington 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.
Washington County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 832 feet, Washington County receives approximately 30.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shallot Planting Timeline — Washington County, MN
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 10 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
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 |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, MN?
Washington County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, MN?
Washington County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Shallot in Washington County, MN?
In Washington County, MN, plant Shallot after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County, MN for Shallot?
Washington County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Washington County's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 9.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.