Shallot in Zone 10a & 10b
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
When to plant shallot in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Shallot doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jan 9–Jan 16 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 27–May 4 (~108 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.

A shallot is an onion that decided to be several onions. Instead of swelling into one bulb it splits into a cluster of small ones, each with a milder, sweeter, more refined flavour than a cooking onion. It's the allium you want raw in a vinaigrette, where a raw onion would take over.
How shallot fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Shallot needs about 108 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Shallot.
Where to buy shallot seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing shallot" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Shallot in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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