How to Grow Shallots: Planting, Care & Harvest Guide

August 15, 2025 Bill Hageman

How to Grow Shallots

What this article covers: This is the primary start-to-finish shallot guide, covering site preparation, planting, care, harvest, curing, and storage.

Shallots, with their delicate flavor and versatility, are a prized addition to any kitchen garden. Growing shallots is surprisingly straightforward and rewarding, making them an excellent crop for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike. If you're familiar with green onions and spring onions, you’ll find that shallots offer a similar yet distinct flavor.

Plan your planting: Shop shallots for planting for the varieties or crops discussed in this article.

This guide will walk you through every step of how to grow shallots, from soil preparation to harvesting and storage. We'll also touch on different types of onions, highlighting the unique qualities of shallots compared to other onions like green onions and spring onions, so you can adapt this flavorful allium (Allium cepa) to local conditions.

Why Grow Shallots?

Shallots are a favorite among gardeners due to their unique flavor profile, combining the sweetness of yellow onion with the mild sharpness of garlic. They are not only easy to grow but also store well, making them a practical crop for year-round use. With suitable variety choice and care, the crop may produce flavorful shallots for cooking, pickling, or replanting. Their shallots taste makes them a preferred ingredient in gourmet recipes and an excellent option for a flavorful side dish.

Types of Shallots

There are several varieties of shallots, each with its own unique characteristics. French Red Shallots are known for their rich, sweet flavor and reddish-brown skin, making them a favorite in fine cooking. Grey Shallots, sometimes referred to as "true shallots," have a more intense and complex flavor with a greyish skin and a firmer texture. These varieties, along with other types, offer different culinary applications and growing experiences, allowing gardeners to choose the best fit for their needs.

Planting Shallots: Timing and Spacing

Shallots are typically planted from bulbs rather than seeds or cloves. This method is efficient and can support more consistent establishment and harvest quality, depending on planting stock and growing conditions. Plant firm, sound bulbs and follow the supplier’s size and cultivar guidance. Cluster size and daughter-bulb size vary with planting stock, variety, spacing, climate, and care.

When to Plant

In very cold climates, plant shallots in early spring to avoid frost damage.
In milder regions, shallots can be planted in late fall for overwintering.

How to Plant

Separate multiple bulbs and plant each individual bulb with the root end facing down.
Use roughly 6–8 inches between bulbs and 10–12 inches between rows as a starting point, adjusting for the variety, bulb size, bed system, and cultivation method.
Plant bulbs just deep enough so that the tip is level with the soil surface.

Unlike garlic, which forms a bulb divided into cloves, a planted shallot bulb commonly divides into a cluster of daughter bulbs. The number and size vary by cultivar and conditions, so leave room for the cluster to expand.

Important Note: Use mulch only where it suits the climate and drainage. A loose layer may help with weeds, moisture, or frost heaving, while dense mulch in wet conditions can hold excess moisture. In every case, maintain a weed-free bed through regular hand weeding or hoeing.

How to Grow Shallots: Care and Maintenance

Shallots need moisture during active growth, but irrigation and fertility should follow soil conditions, rainfall, crop stage, soil-test results, and product-label directions. Good drainage remains essential.

Watering

Water after planting when needed to settle soil around the roots; reduce or omit irrigation if the bed is already adequately moist.
During active growth, check moisture below the surface and irrigate as soil, rainfall, temperature, and plant stage require. An inch per week is sometimes used as a rough planning reference, not a universal schedule; avoid keeping the root zone saturated and reduce water as bulbs mature.

Fertilizing

Base amendments and feeding on a soil test, prior bed preparation, crop growth, and the product label. Where nitrogen is needed, apply an appropriate labeled product while plants are actively growing and avoid late, unnecessary feeding as bulbs mature.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can lead to leafy growth at the expense of bulb development.

Weeding

Keep the shallot bed free of weeds, as competition for nutrients and water can hinder growth.
Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the bulbs.

Bolting

If seed stalks form (a process called bolting), remove them promptly. Bolting diverts the plant’s energy from bulb development to seed production, which can reduce the size and quality of your shallots.

Harvesting Shallots: Timing is Everything

Shallots are approaching harvest when foliage naturally yellows and falls and the bulbs have formed mature skins. Timing varies with fall or spring planting, variety, climate, and crop health, so inspect representative clusters rather than relying on midsummer dates alone.

Use a garden fork or trowel to loosen the soil around the bulbs.
Gently dig up the clusters, being careful not to damage the bulbs.
Brush away loose soil and cure the clusters in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated location. Curing time varies with bulb size, temperature, humidity, airflow, and harvest moisture; wait until necks and outer skins are dry before storage.

Storing Shallots for Long-Term Use

Once fully cured, trim as appropriate and store only firm, sound bulbs in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated location. Breathable mesh can support airflow. Storage temperature and duration vary with variety and conditions, so inspect bulbs regularly and remove any that soften, mold, or deteriorate.

Sound bulbs may be reserved for replanting when their source, health, and variety are suitable; do not save bulbs showing rot, mold, or other concerning symptoms.

How to Grow Shallots: Overcoming Common Challenges

Even though shallots are relatively low-maintenance, some issues may arise:

Pests: Watch out for gophers and onion maggots. Protect your beds and inspect plants regularly.
Rot: Poor drainage or overwatering can lead to bulb rot. Ensure your soil is well-drained and avoid planting in low-lying areas.
Weeds: Weeds compete with shallots for nutrients. Regular weeding is essential for optimal growth.

Why You Should Grow Shallots in Your Garden

Shallots can be a useful crop for gardeners whose climate, soil, and planting window fit them. Proper harvest, curing, and storage may extend their kitchen use. With their white flesh and teardrop-shaped bulbs, shallots are both visually appealing and practical. As a member of the allium family, they can often be used in place of green onions, spring onions, or even red onions, offering versatility in countless recipes. Compared to other types of onions, shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor that makes them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.

If you're interested in growing shallots, this guide will show you exactly how to grow shallots—from choosing the right location and soil to proper shallot planting techniques. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, shallots are an excellent addition to your garden. And if you're ready to get started, start with sound shallot planting stock and match the variety and planting date to your climate and site. With suitable care, you may harvest fresh, homegrown shallots and can save sound bulbs for replanting when appropriate.

Check out our Garlic Resource Center for even more information about garlic and the varieties we offer. Or, use our Garlic Selector Tool for a customized garlic list matched to your climate, gardening style, and flavor preferences.

Recommended next step: When you are ready to plant, Shop shallots for planting.

FAQ: How to Grow Shallots: Your Complete Guide to Growing Shallots and Proper Shallot Planting Techniques

What is Allium cepa?
- Allium cepa is the scientific name for the species that includes shallots, onions, and garlic. Shallots are a type of Allium cepa, prized for their delicate, mild flavor and versatility in cooking.
How do shallots taste compared to other onions?
- Shallots taste like a mild blend of yellow onion and garlic, offering a unique, sweet flavor with a slight sharpness. This makes them a preferred choice in many gourmet dishes and side dishes.
Can I substitute shallots for red onion in recipes?
- Yes, you can substitute shallots for red onion in most recipes. While shallots taste milder and sweeter, they can provide a more delicate flavor that complements salads, dressings, and other dishes where red onion is typically used.
What is the ideal shape of shallots when harvested?
- Shallots grow into teardrop-shaped bulbs, which have a beautiful, tapered appearance and are perfect for harvesting when fully mature.
How do you store shallots?
- After curing shallots in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated area, store only sound bulbs in cool, dry, dark conditions with airflow. Storage duration varies, so inspect the crop regularly.
What’s the best way to plant shallots?
- Plant shallots from bulbs, spacing them 6–8 inches apart, with the root end facing down. Be sure to plant them just deep enough for the tip to remain level with the soil surface.
Can shallots be used in side dishes?
- Yes! Shallots are an excellent addition to side dishes, providing a mild, savory flavor that pairs well with a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, potatoes, and meats.
Are there different types of shallots to choose from?
- Yes, there are various types of shallots, including French Red Shallots and Grey Shallots, each offering distinct flavors and textures. These varieties can be selected depending on your culinary needs and taste preferences.