This guide focuses specifically on planting shallot bulbs. For care through harvest and storage, use the complete shallot growing guide.
When to Plant Shallots
Plant in fall where winters are suitable for overwintering shallots. In very cold regions or where winter soil stays excessively wet, spring planting may be more reliable. Local extension guidance and the variety’s instructions should take priority over a universal date.
Prepare a Well-Drained Bed
Choose full sun and soil that drains readily. Loosen compacted soil and use a soil test to guide amendments. Avoid automatically adding phosphorus or heavy fertilizer when soil levels are already adequate.
Separate and Inspect the Bulbs
Gently separate planting bulbs if they arrive in clusters. Keep the papery wrapper intact when possible. Do not plant bulbs that are soft, moldy, badly damaged, or decaying.
Planting Orientation and Depth
- Place each bulb root end down and pointed end up.
- Set it so the tip is near the soil surface, following the supplier’s depth directions and adjusting for erosion or frost heaving.
- Firm the soil gently without compacting it.
Spacing Shallot Bulbs
Allow roughly 6–8 inches between bulbs and about 10–12 inches between rows unless the variety or production system calls for another layout. Shallots multiply into clusters, so crowding can restrict bulb development and airflow.
First Watering and Mulch
Water after planting to settle soil around the roots, then irrigate according to soil moisture and weather. Shallots need moisture but are vulnerable in saturated soil. In cold climates, a loose mulch can moderate temperature and frost heaving; in wet climates, avoid creating a dense layer that holds water against emerging plants.
After Planting
Label varieties, keep weeds small, and check for heaving or drainage problems. Once growth is established, move to the pillar guide for feeding, irrigation, harvest, curing, and storage.
Planting Resources
Shallot Planting Resources
Continue with the complete shallot cultivation guide.
16 comments
My French Red shallots are a good size, but most bolted. I cut off the flowers as soon as I saw them, and have been harvesting a few each week. The talk from the flowers does not seem to dying down. Should I keep waiting or try to remove the stall at the root?