How to Grow Onions, Leeks & Shallots: Video Guide

This video compares three related allium crops—onions, leeks, and shallots—so you can see how their planting materials, spacing, growth habits, and harvest differ. For complete shallot instructions, use our How to Grow Shallots guide.

Browse onion sets, leek seeds, or seed shallots.

What This Allium-Growing Video Shows

• How onion sets, leek seedlings or seeds, and planting shallots differ
• Why crop form and mature size affect spacing
• How to prepare a sunny, well-drained planting bed
• How consistent moisture and weed control support bulb and stem development
• How harvest signs differ among onions, leeks, and shallots

Onions, Leeks, and Shallots at a Glance

Onions

Onions may be started from seed, transplants, or sets. Variety choice and day-length adaptation are important because bulb formation responds to seasonal light patterns.

Leeks

Leeks form thick stems rather than storage bulbs. They are commonly started from seed or transplants and may be hilled or blanched as they grow, depending on the production method.

Shallots

Planting shallots multiply into clusters of bulbs. They need adequate spacing, good drainage, and a curing period after harvest. Continue with the complete shallot-growing pillar for crop-specific guidance.

Shared Bed-Preparation Principles

• Select a location receiving ample sun.
• Correct drainage problems before planting.
• Use soil-test information to guide fertilizer and amendment decisions.
• Plan spacing for the mature crop and the tools used for weed management.
• Label varieties and planting dates for more useful harvest comparisons.

Choose the Right Follow-Up Guide

• Growing shallots: planting through harvest, curing, storage, and troubleshooting.
• Growing leeks: crop-specific guidance for sowing, transplanting, care, and harvest.
• Onion companion planting: plan neighboring crops without treating companion planting as a substitute for good spacing and care.
• Printable shallot checklist: download and keep a concise garden reference.

Shop and Continue Learning

Shop seed shallots or explore the Garlic & Shallots Resource Center for additional planting, care, and troubleshooting guidance.