Shallot
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
vegetableThe shallot is a gourmet allium grown for clusters of small, elongated bulbs with a flavor milder, sweeter, and more refined than an onion and a hint of garlic. Each planted bulb multiplies into a cluster of four to six, much like garlic, and the harvest stores for months. Shallots are prized in French and Asian kitchens for vinaigrettes, pan sauces, and quick pickles, where their gentle sharpness disappears into the dish. Grown as an annual in most climates, they are easy and rewarding once established.
☀️
Sun
full sun
💧
Water
Every 3 days
🌾
Harvest
~100 days
📊
Difficulty
easy
🌱
Lifecycle
biennial
Leaves year 1, flowers year 2
↔️
Spacing
6-8 in. apart
⬇️
Planting Depth
1-2 in. (tip just above surface)
🧪
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Loose, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At planting; side-dress lightly 4-6 weeks after emergence
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 at planting
🌱 Growing Guide
Plant individual sets or divided bulbs pointed-end up in fall for early-summer harvest in mild zones, or in early spring elsewhere, spacing them about 6 inches apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Each set divides into a cluster of four to six bulbs by harvest. Like onions they are shallow-rooted, so keep the bed weeded and the moisture even at roughly an inch a week, easing off as the tops begin to yellow. In zones 5 and colder, mulch fall-planted shallots to carry them through winter. Avoid heavy nitrogen late, which delays the bulbs from firming up for storage.
Planting Calendar
Sign in to personalize →🌿
Direct sow
Mar 18
🌾
Projected first harvest
Jun 26
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Carrots: Allium scent deters carrot rust fly
- Beets: Compatible companion that benefits from pest deterrence
- Chamomile: Reputed to enhance allium growth and flavor
- Strawberries: Shallot scent deters aphids from nearby plants
❌ Keep away from
BeansPeas
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Keep plants well watered; remove debris at season end; use reflective mulch
Rotate alliums to a new bed every 3-4 years; buy certified disease-free sets
Row cover at planting; annual rotation
🌾 Harvest & storage
Lift the clusters when the tops fall over and start to dry, usually mid-summer for spring-planted sets, and separate the bulbs. Cure them in a warm, dry, airy spot for two to three weeks until the skins are papery and the necks tight. Set aside a few of the best bulbs to replant next season. Cured shallots keep for up to eight months in a cool, dark, dry place, longer than most onions, so they are an excellent allium for long storage.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Shallots carry more quercetin and allicin per bite than common onions, both linked to cardiovascular and immune support, along with vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese. Their concentrated flavor means a little goes a long way, adding depth to a dish for very few calories. As with other alliums, the beneficial sulfur compounds form when the bulb is cut, so chop shortly before cooking to get the most from them.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.