Shallot in Zone 5a & 5b
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
When to plant shallot in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 | Apr 19–Apr 26 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 5–Aug 12 (~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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. 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)
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Growing Shallot in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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