Use this page as a concise planting checklist and printable reference for shallots. For complete instructions covering planting, seasonal care, harvest, curing, storage, and troubleshooting, read our complete guide to growing shallots.
Shop seed shallots or visit the Garlic & Shallots Resource Center for more focused help.
Download the Shallot Growing Guide
Download the printable Shallot Growing Guide (PDF)
Keep the PDF with your garden records and use the checklist below when preparing the bed and monitoring the crop.
Shallot Planting Checklist
- Choose healthy planting stock: Begin with firm shallots intended for planting and select varieties that match your climate and culinary preferences.
- Choose the planting window: Planting time depends on winter conditions and regional climate. Use local frost and soil conditions rather than relying on one national date.
- Prepare a sunny, well-drained bed: Shallots perform best where excess water can drain away and weeds can be managed easily.
- Separate and inspect bulbs: Discard soft or damaged planting material before it enters the garden.
- Plant with the growing point up: Leave enough room for each planted bulb to develop a cluster of new bulbs.
- Water consistently: Maintain even moisture during active growth while avoiding saturated soil.
- Control weeds: Shallow cultivation and mulch can reduce competition without disturbing developing bulbs.
- Reduce water as maturity approaches: Let the crop progress naturally toward harvest as tops yellow and fall.
- Cure before storage: Dry harvested shallots in a shaded, protected, well-ventilated location before long-term storage.
Quick Planning Notes
Soil and Fertility
Address drainage, compaction, and soil-test results before planting. Avoid assuming that more fertilizer will produce better bulbs; excessive nitrogen can encourage leafy growth at the expense of maturity and storage quality.
Spacing
Spacing influences airflow, weed management, and the room available for each bulb to multiply. Follow the guidance supplied with the variety and adjust for your cultivation method.
Harvest and Storage
Harvest when the crop shows maturity rather than according to a fixed calendar date. Cure bulbs out of direct sun and store only sound, fully cured shallots.
Use the Right Shallot Resource
- Complete shallot-growing guide: full planting, care, harvest, storage, and troubleshooting information.
- Onions, leeks, and shallots video: compare how these related alliums are planted and grown.
- Shallots versus leeks: compare flavor, growth, and garden use.
- Garlic & Shallots Resource Center: find planting, care, variety, and troubleshooting resources.
Choose Shallots for Your Garden
Browse seed shallots or explore all seed garlic and shallots.
Focused Shallot Guides
Use these narrower guides when you need help with one part of the growing process: