When to plant shallot in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Apr 19 · First harvest Jun 18 · Wrap by Jul 16

Last spring frostMay 10

Direct sowApr 19

First harvestJun 18

Last harvestJul 16

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 frost-free days. Shallot tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall.

Common questions

How long does shallot take to grow in zone 5a?

Shallot matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 5a that means sowing around Apr 19 and first picking around Jun 18.

Will shallot survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — shallot tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full shallot growing guide →