How to Grow Shallots
Instructions for Growing Shallots
in Your Vegetable Garden
| Nutrition | Watering Instructions | Harvesting |
| Climate | Fertilizing Instructions | Storage |
| Soil | Challenges | Tips |
| Planting |
*** EASY TO GROW ***
Shallots (not to be confused with Scallions – which are young green onions) are a form of onion that’s similar in shape to garlic. Like garlic, this vegetable has bulbs with cloves, but instead has a subtle, delicate onion flavor. When growing shallots, you can eat the young shallot leaves as you would chives or scallions.
As you're growing shallots, keep in mind that they have a very shallow root structure. This means that you will need to be gentle in removing weeds, so not to disturb this vegetable's roots.
How to Grow Shallots - Nutrition Information
Under optimal growing conditions, shallots offer: Vitamin C, A, B6, Folate, Manganese and Potassium
How to Grow Shallots - Climate & Growing Conditions
Shallots will grow in nearly any gardening climate. They perform well in either full sunshine or in part shade.
How to Grow Shallots - Preparing the Garden Soil
A few weeks before planting, dig a healthy amount of rotted manure and compost into your garden bed. In addition to adding nutrients, it will help make the soil friable (loose and crumbly) which will allow the shallot roots to grow properly. For optimal growing conditions, prepare the garden plot soil to a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0. (Instructions for testing your garden soil pH level)
How to Grow Shallots - Planting
Shallots don’t produce reliable seeds, so they are propagated by replanting the cloves from the parent plant, as you do with garlic.
If you’re planning to harvest them while they’re young, plant the cloves 2” deep. After the plant appears, hill the garden soil around the stem as it grows.
If you’re planning to harvest when the shallot plant is more mature, plant it shallowly so that the clove is level with the top of the soil. As the stem grows, hill the garden soil around the stem.
For both, plant with 6” space around the this vegetable to avoid problems with overcrowding and to allow room to grow.
How to Grow Shallots - Watering
Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) with regular watering.
How to Grow Shallots - Fertilizing
You can fertilize as the plant grows, but too much fertilizer tends to promote top growth, rather than bulb growth. If you prepare the soil properly before planting your shallot crop, you'll likely not need additional fertilizer.
How to Grow Shallots - Gardening Challenges
Shallots experience very few pests or plant diseases.
How to Grow Shallots - Harvesting
For harvesting the young vegetable crop, pick any time after 2 months. The young leaves can be used in salads or like scallions.
The bulbs have reached maturity when the top withers.
How to Grow Shallots - Storage
Cold Stoarge
Separate the shallot bulbs, and let dry in good weather for a few days. Store in a cool cellar as you would onions in breathable or mesh bags (if possible). Examine periodically and remove any soft or rotten pieces to avoid spoiling the whole bunch.
Save some shallots from your winter store for planting in next year's gardening season.
Gardening Tips From Our Readers
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Note: the advice and information contained herein is based upon our experience and study. As with any advice, please apply at your own discretion.