Rainline Garden

When to plant shallots in Astoria, OR

Plant shallot bulbs in Astoria from Oct 1 – Nov 15. They root over winter and are ready to dig the next summer. You can also plant them as early in spring as the soil can be worked.

Easy Plant bulbs

Why these dates

Like garlic, shallots size up best after a winter in the ground, so in most of the Northwest they go in during fall, after the soil cools but before it freezes hard. In Astoria the first fall frost usually comes around November 11.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun
Spacing
6 to 8 inches apart
Planting depth
Tip just at the soil surface
Frost
Very hardy; grows through winter

Step by step

  1. Buy shallot bulbs sold for planting from a garden center or seed company.
  2. Loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  3. Plant them Oct 1 – Nov 15, 6 to 8 inches apart, with the tip just at the soil surface.
  4. Mulch lightly with straw for winter, pull weeds in spring and stop watering when the tops start to yellow.
  5. Harvest: Dig in summer when the tops yellow and fall over. Dry the clusters in a shady, airy spot for two weeks.

Varieties that do well here

  • French Gray (gourmet, very hardy)
  • Ambition
  • Dutch Yellow

Watch out for

Onion maggots in cool, wet soil. Plant onion-family crops in a different spot each year.

Planted like garlic in fall, or as early in spring as the soil can be worked. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Astoria, OR?

Typically March 26. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 18. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Astoria Regional Airport.

When are shallots ready to harvest in Astoria?

Usually in early to midsummer, when the tops yellow and fall over. Dig in summer when the tops yellow and fall over. Dry the clusters in a shady, airy spot for two weeks.

Also plant in Astoria around the same time

Planting dates for shallots in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Astoria · Shallots in every city