Growing Shallots
Have you discovered the joy of using fresh shallots in your gourmet cooking? If so do you frown and question why this delicious gourmet vegetable is so expensive?
Advantages of Growing Fresh Shallots
While you can purchase onions by the pound with a little loose change, shallots are sold by the ounce for big bucks. The curious thing is that shallots are much easier to grow, and even more productive than the common cooking onion. When growing shallots you can also replant part of your harvest and avoid buying new seed for future crops.
Shallots are preferred by gourmet chefs for the subtle and delicious flavors that they impart to even the most basic recipe. In the garden shallots require very little in the way of effort and don’t require much garden space. So if you love shallots but hate paying exorbitant amounts to enjoy them, the perfect solution is to grow your own.
French Shallots, also know as grey shallots are recognized as the ultimate “true” shallot by gourmet chefs, but there are many other great varieties including: Dutch yellow shallots, red shallots, and the larger frog leg and banana (echalion) shallots.
Planting Shallots in the Home Garden
Cultivation is simple, shallots are grown in much the same fashion as garlic. Plant them six to eight inches apart with the root scar facing downward and the pointed end facing up. They should be placed at a depth so that the tops are just barely below the soil. Fall is the best time for planting in most areas and shallots have no trouble surviving winter conditions.
Shallots will grow well in average garden soil, there’s no need for heavy applications of fertilizer. Just keep the bed weeded and watered, and you’ll discover how easily they produce, with none of the day length issues that you encounter when growing onions.
Fall planted shallots will be ready for harvesting early the following summer. Save some of the best bulbs to replant in the fall and you’ll never need to repurchase seed stock.
If you’re interested in more information on growing shallots and raising a beautiful garden that’s loaded with delicious gourmet produce check out my new ebook: “Amazing Secrets to Growing Luscious Fruits and Vegetables at Home.”
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November 6th, 2005 at 10:59 am
Thanks for the shallot info. Just a few weeks ago I purchased some shallots and garlic to plant here in Ky this fall. I’ve held off as it has been so warm.
March 21st, 2006 at 4:05 pm
I have bought some shallots but they are large , do I split them before planting , or put in ground as is .
March 21st, 2006 at 11:30 pm
No, don’t split or cut the shallots, separate the individual sections of the bulbs, but plant each of the pieces whole.
June 28th, 2006 at 5:00 pm
I planted my shallots a couple weeks ago, are they going to be ready this fall or do I have to leave them in the ground till next summer? I’ve never planted them before and am not sure. Thanks!
July 11th, 2006 at 11:08 pm
Deb, I plant shallots in the fall to overwinter for an early summer harvest, or plant them in the spring for a late summer or fall harvest. You didn’t mention where you live but it sounds like you planted your shallots a little late. Harvest them in the fall or whenever the tops die back and try to plant your shallot seeds earlier the next time around.
July 18th, 2006 at 10:46 am
Hi, I planted some shallots this spring
first time(Maine)
do I get 1 to 1 like a onion? thanks
July 21st, 2006 at 10:02 am
Barbara, you will get multiple shallots for each shallot seed clove that is planted. Depending on the shallot variety and the size of the bulbs, you could harvest four to eight shallot cloves from each plant.
July 30th, 2006 at 8:46 am
How do I store shallots? Just harvested in Southern Wisconsin end of July.
July 30th, 2006 at 10:56 am
After harvesting allow the shallots to cure in a warm, dry location (but out of direct sunlight) for about a week or two. Once the shallots have cured store the bulbs in a cool, dry area in a mesh bag, in thin layers on trays, or in a shallow container that allows good air circulation.
August 29th, 2006 at 12:28 am
I live in north Auckland New Zealand. I planted shallots in the Autumn,they seem to have sprouted very well but the original bulb is now mushy with at least 4 healthy plants. Do I split up these plants or do I leave these alone to develop a bulb? I would appreciate your comment thank you.
Kind Regards.
Audrey.
August 29th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
Hi Audrey, did you split the shallot seed cloves apart before you planted them? If so the shallots are just fine, when they grow they form multiple separate clove sections that are joined at the bottom where the roots are growing. So when you harvest each plant you will actually wind up with a cluster of four or five shallot cloves per seed that was planted the previous fall.
September 7th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
I live in a small apartment in Newport Beach, wih a tiny patio that only gets a few hours of sun in the morning. Is it possible to grow shallots and/or garlic in containers these conditions? Can they be grown indoors with normal lighting? Thanks for sharing your expertise!
September 7th, 2006 at 10:18 pm
Brandi, it’s worth a try to plant a few shallots or garlic cloves in a container on your patio to see how they will grow for you. Shallots can produce mature bulbs in containers, as for the garlic your best bet is to grow baby garlic rather than attempt to cultivate full-sized mature bulbs in containers. Planting shallots or garlic indoors in containers probably won’t produce harvestable bulbs, but you could grow plenty of green leaf shoots that can be snipped off and used like chives to add a little fresh garlic flavor to your favorite recipes.
January 7th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Hi. Can you grow Shallots from the Seed Pods after they have matured? Or is this process cumbersome? And is there a better type of Shallot for colder climates such as mine, Southern Ontario?
January 14th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
I want to try to grow some shallots but am told they are not commercially grown in TX.
1. will they grow in the Houston area - North side?
2. where do I buy sets?
January 17th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Hi Greg, there are shallots that can be grown from seed but the process is more cumbersome and time consuming. Using the mature shallot’s cloves as seed is simpler and you’ll get more consistent results with less effort and in a shorter time from planting to harvest. Shallots are very adaptable to colder climates and actually thrive when planted during the fall and left in the ground over the winter.
Sande, just because they’re not commercially grown in your area doesn’t mean that shallots won’t grow in your backyard garden. I’m not certain about growing shallots in Texas but my guess is that you can grow them in your southern garden. The biggest challenge for you may be in determining the best time for planting shallots in your growing region. In the north shallots can be planted in the fall and over wintered, or they can be planted in early spring. Because of your hot summers I would try planting the shallot seed cloves in the fall. This will allow them to grow as much as possible during the cooler fall and winter months, and mature for harvesting during spring or early summer.
One good source for purchasing shallot seed is Kitchen Garden Seeds.
January 23rd, 2007 at 3:57 pm
I am out of the country and have limited supplies. Does anyone know if you can use concrete blocks to plants in and if so, more importantly are there toxins released from the concrete?
February 4th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Hi Elizabeth, I have seen many gardeners that use concrete blocks and pavers to grow plants in and if it were me, I wouldn’t be too concerned about toxins from the materials, or you could line the sides with plastic before adding your potting soil.
April 14th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
I live in the Southern part of New Jersey. I planted some Shallot bulbs in November of last year. They immediately started growing and survived the winter.
When should I harvest them?
April 14th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Joe, the shallots will be fully mature and ready to harvest in early to late summer after the leafy green tops of the plants turn brown and die back. But there’s no harm in harvesting a few of the shallot bulbs earlier if they reach a usable size. Remember to dry and cure the bulbs before placing them in storage.
May 3rd, 2007 at 12:50 pm
I bought some bulbs that I was told were shallots from a farmer’s market in Maine. I planted some there and brought the rest to Arizona and planted them all in the fall. The plant seems to be different - they bunch but are larger and flat. As they went to seed, bulb clusters developed on the leaves. Is this a variation of shallot and should I treat them the same?
May 5th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Hazel, I’ve never seen true shallots that went to seed and produced topsetting bulbs. It sounds more like some type of multiplier onion, unless your climate is causing the plant to behave a little differently. I would treat them just as you normally would and see how they turn out at harvest time.
May 20th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
I live in VT zone 4, I just purchased shallot bulbs for planting (yellow dutch). If I plant them now will I have anything to harvest in the fall? Or do you suggest waiting to plant them in the fall like garlic? Do I cure the shallots in the same way as garlic and onions? I assume so, but there is no information on the packaging. Thanks!
May 20th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Anne, you can plant your shallot seed right away for harvesting later this summer. Shallots are best planted at the same time that you would normally plant your garlic but the bulbs that you purchased will not keep until then. So plant the shallot seed that you have and after you harvest the crop in late summer or early fall replant some of the shallot bulbs when you plant your garlic. And yes, you should dry and cure the shallots for a few days the same way that you would cure onions.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:29 am
We live in the deep south part of Louisiana. Our shallots are ready for havest now. You spoke of drying and curing….could you please elaborate? I have an over zellous gardening husband and we are blessed with a very large amount, Thanks!
May 30th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I planted shallot seed that I purchased at a green house about 4 weeks ago. as of this morning only 1 has germinated. What am I doing wrong or do I just have to be patient. My other onions and garlic are doing just fine.
Thank you.
May 30th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Hi Charlene, I just posted an entry on Drying & Curing Shallots. Duane, it doesn’t sound too good for your shallots, they usually germinate very quickly. Your seed may have rotted in the ground before it sprouted. Dig around and see if you can locate one of the seed cloves that you planted and check its condition. Unless you at last see signs of roots growing by now I would give up on that shallot seed.
June 30th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
I’ve been planting small cloves from last years harvest. I plant them root side down and cover with soil just slightly above the top. They grow fine and look very healthy (three weeks) until the scallions get about 3 inches high. Then many of the plants just stop growing and turn brown like they would when mature. ?????
June 30th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Check the condition of your shallot’s roots, it sounds like there may be an insect pest like nematodes or root maggots attacking the plants. Dig a few of the shallots and inspect the the roots for insect infestations or signs of damage to the underground portion of the plants.
July 10th, 2007 at 7:21 am
been growing shallots for 10 years but moved to NE Nebraska from Kansas City a couple of years ago and finally got my garden space in shape instead of the lawn it was in… this year i have the best shallots i have ever had. the other years i just got smaller than grocery store size shallots but they were very good and we like the flavor. this year those small bulbs i planted as soon as i could work the ground this spring are as big or bigger than the store bought… also i like keeping shallots. I keep them in the garage in ventilated trays and they keep all winter into the next summer. i still had good bulbs to eat when we started eating this years crop… charles kuchar
July 11th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Dear Mr Point,
I live in MN and it gets really cold in the winter.
Is it ok to plant shallot in the fall with the tip just about ground level or do I have to plant them deeper just so they do not freeze to death? I know I have to plant my garlic at least 1″ below ground.
I planted some this spring and all the green shoots have fallen over just like onion. Should I wait until the shoots turn brown or can they be harvested now?
Thanks!
July 11th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
Hi Ling, What growing zone do you garden in? I have heard reports of gardeners planting shallots successfully during the fall season in Zone 4 growing regions. If you can locate a Master Gardener in your area they can probably tell you for sure if shallots will survive the winter in your part of the state. Shallots are not as hardy as garlic but if you want to give it a try plant the seed a little deeper than normal and after the ground begins to freeze cover the bed with a thick mulch of shredded leaves or straw. In the spring remove enough of the mulch so that the shallot leaves can penetrate to the surface. Good luck!
I usually wait until the leaves start to dry and turn brown before harvesting shallots for storage. For fresh use you can harvest them at any stage. don’t forget to cure the shallots if they will be stored.
July 24th, 2007 at 8:43 am
We have a small organic farm and have been trying to track down a good supplier for organic shallots. We’re hoping to buy about 500 pounds in different varieties, and hoping to harvest 3-4,000 pounds next summer. Then we can save 500-1,000 for planting next year and trade the rest.
I was wondering what varieties you would suggest and was hoping you could point us in the right direction for sources of organic shallots for planting in fairly large quantities. If you know of a “directory” of organic distributors carry shallots, that would be very helpful.
We’re in northeastern Ohio, USA, which as very cold winters, but has been fine for growing various types of garlic and squash for us over the last several years.
July 24th, 2007 at 9:00 am
John, I would contact some of the organic garlic seed suppliers such as Gourmet Garlic Gardens or Filaree Farms and network with them to see if they can offer any good sources for bulk quantities of shallot seed. They may also be able to point you in the direction of other shallot growers, suppliers, and cooperatives that can provide you with assistance and information on large scale shallot production. A great variety for the home garden may not be the best shallot for farm production. Good luck and let me know how the shallots produce for you.
November 4th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
I have grown shallots for many years, the hidden secret in cooking, but the harvested bulbs are much smaller than the bulbs planted. I live in Norfolk, VA,Zone 8. The soil is well cultivated with grass clippings and mulched leaves and fertilized. But I plant them rather close together under six inches. Could the close planting be the cause of small bulbs at harvest or is this area not ideal for the lack of larger shallot growth?
Thank You, Don DiCiero
November 4th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Don, when are you planting your shallot seed? They grow better for me when they are planted in late fall and allowed to remain in the ground during the winter months. This gives the shallot plants a chance to develop strong root systems to support rapid growth as soon as the weather warms in early spring. Space them a little further apart, about eight inches to encourage larger sized bulbs. There is no reason that you shouldn’t be able to harvest shallots that are at least as large as the ones that you find at the grocer.
January 9th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Not sure where I can get shallot bulbs for planting. Can I just buy the ones from the grocery store? Also, I’m in Zone 5. Can I plant them in the spring insteaf of the fall since it’s already winter now? Or should I plant them indoors and bring them out when spring comes around?
Thanks.
February 28th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Is it OK to plant supermarket bought shallots? I want to get some in the ground right away but they are only sold in nurseries around here(Eugene Oregon)in the Fall. Will the large store bought shallot bulbs germinate? Could they carry some kind of bacteria? Any ideas? Thanks.
February 28th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Laura & Nick, you can find shallot seed at many of the same sources that sell seed potatoes and gourmet garlic seed. They can be planted in the spring as well as the fall and those shallot bulbs at the supermarket will usually grow if planted out in the garden. I always recommend certified seed for growing garlic in the home garden but am not as particular about shallot seed, mainly because there doesn’t seem to be as big of a difference in the quality or varieties of the shallots that are found at the grocer. I’m not aware of any bacteria on the shallots that would be a concern and I also don’t know if the shallot bulbs at the grocer are commonly treated with any type of agent to retard germination. Good luck with growing your shallots.
March 20th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Hiya,
Do you know what will happen if I leave shallot bulbs in the ground after the first season of growth?
Will the the root-plate stay intact and the plant continue to multiply, albeit somewhat slower?
Can shallot colonies naturalize?
Are there dangers of the plants rotting in the ground?
Also, can shallot colonies be divided and replanted instead of harvesting and storing?
How similar is the growth habit to Welsh onions, which seem to do fine left for years untouched, without rotting or dying-back. Though probably having a reduced yield I should have thought, especially as this is quite a low-yielding plant already.
Thoughts welcome.
Also, any thoughts on planting shallots through a cardboard mulch? Rot, etc?
Cheers,
Niels
March 20th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Hi Niels, shallot bulbs will eventually sprout and regrow if they are left in the ground after the clusters mature. There may be some rotting and the shallots will definitely perform better if they are divided and replanted, but you could do the replanting at harvest time instead of storing the bulbs to plant later. I don’t think that the shallots will naturalize in the same manner as the Welsh onions but I don’t have any experience with that. The shallot leaves are pretty weak and I doubt that they could grow through a cardboard mulch very easily.
March 21st, 2008 at 1:36 am
This season I planted my shallots as usual, during the month of Sept. or Oct. to winter over. I planted at eight inches apart. Some of them deeper than the usual depth of just below ground surface. Some about 1-2 inches deeper. I live in Zone 8, Norfolk, VA. During June or July, when they start to turn brown and die out, I will harvest. We’ll see if I harvest large bulbs as when planted or will they down size. My soil is well mulched and fertilized.
March 26th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Good organic shallot planting stock is extremely hard to find. Fall planting is always best… see our website for growing instructions and available shallot types. Big John