SHALLOT SET PLANTING GUIDE - Organic Heirloom Gardens

Shallots, the “gourmet onion” with hints of garlic. Shallots of many types are known by chefs around the world and featured in some of your favorite dishes. This culinary ingredient can be enjoyed by your family now, and for years to come. Planting and growing shallots in your garden is easy!

You might be familiar with shallots for sale by the name “multiplier onions”, and you may have had them roasted or sautéed at your favorite restaurant. Shallots are a popular ingredient with both amateur and professional chefs. By searching for shallot recipes, you’ll find thousands of ways to enjoy these alliums. Shallots are close relatives of onions, garlic, and leeks and are very easy to grow.

• Our shallots for sale come as sets or bulbs and are ready to be planted when you receive them.
• You will plant each individual bulb, or head, separate any bulbs attached to one another prior to planting.
• Shallots are similar to onions in outer appearance.
• Inside you will find they have cloves rather than layers, similar to garlic.
• Shallots prefer growing in a nutrient-rich, loose, and well drained soil. 
• Amend with compost as needed.

         

Planting Sets & Growing Shallots

• If you grow your own garlic or onions, growing shallot sets is quite similar.
• Shallot bulbs can be grown across all seasons in most areas, they are frost tolerant!

FALL SHALLOT PLANTING

• Plant shallot bulbs 4-6 weeks before last frost in fall.
• Much like garlic, shallots planted in the fall will need a layer of mulch for protection (3 to 5 inches).
• Shallots grow near the soil surface and have shallow root systems.
• Carefully remove excess mulch as the soil warms in spring.

SPRING SHALLOT PLANTING

• Plant as soon as ground is able to be worked after winter freeze.
• Shallots planted in the spring also benefit from and inch or two of mulch.
• Mulching helps protect the shallots from cold snaps and keeps new bulbs from drying out.

SHALLOT SET DEPTH & SPACING

• Plant each bulb deep enough so that only the pointed tip is visible.(1-2 inches)
• Space each shallot bulb or set 4 to 6 inches apart.
• Rows should be 10-12 inches apart.Shallot bulbs are planted root-end down and pointed-end up.

SHALLOT PLANTING NOTES

• Water thoroughly after planting.
• Avoid letting the shallots dry out, but do not over-water.
• Weed all areas around shallots thoroughly.
• Rain and irrigation may expose newly planted shallots.
• Recover any exposed shallot bulbs.  

Harvesting Shallots

Shallots are ready to harvest once the leafy green tops wither and a dry paper skin develops on the bulbs.

• Pull up shallots, with leaves, just like you would an onion or garlic.
• Remove as much soil as possible from the plants.
• Put bulbs in a cool, dry place for about 7 days to cure.
• If there is no rain expected, you can leave the shallot harvest to dry in the garden.
• Partial shade is recommended if you are allowing shallots to cure in the garden.
• Remove root ends and leafy tops and store (like onions and garlic) for future culinary use.
• Use the leafy tops as alternatives to green onions or chives in recipes.
• Harvest leafy tops once they have substantial growth, about a month after planting.
• DO NOT over harvest green tops, make sure to leave some on the plant so it can grow.

Shallots are a great addition to any kitchen or garden, especially for lovers of onions and garlic.

Grow your own shallots this spring, summer, or fall.

Add the perfect gourmet touch to your favorite meals!