When to Plant Shallot in King and Queen County, VA
Top priorities for King and Queen County, Virginia gardeners in May
A quick May briefing for King and Queen County, Virginia gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Indoor seed-starting week for shallot
These need a head start before your last frost (April 6). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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.
King and Queen County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 769 feet, King and Queen County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
King and Queen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 King and Queen County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.0) overlaps with Shallot's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in King and Queen County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Shallot.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in King and Queen 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 — King and Queen County, VA
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
210 days in King and Queen County
Growing Tips for Shallot in King and Queen County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after April 06 in King and Queen 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.
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 King and Queen County, VA?
King and Queen County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is King and Queen County, VA?
King and Queen County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your King and Queen County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for King and Queen County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.