Shallots are small, twin-lobed members of the onion family, prized for their delicate flavor that is milder and sweeter than a standard onion. Growing them from bulbs, often called “sets,” is the most reliable method for a quick harvest. Sets are immature bulbs that bypass the lengthy germination process required for seeds, making shallot cultivation accessible for gardeners. This guide focuses on successfully growing shallots directly from these prepared bulbs.
Pre-Planting Preparation
Careful selection and site preparation are necessary before planting. Choose shallot sets that are firm, dry, and show no signs of mold or soft spots, as fungal presence can lead to rot. Shallots can be planted in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in late fall. Fall planting often results in an earlier and larger harvest the following year, but spring planting is safer in regions with severely cold winters.
The planting site must receive at least six hours of full sun daily. The soil needs to be well-drained and loose to prevent bulb decay, ideally amended with organic matter like compost for fertility and drainage. The soil’s pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Prepare the bed by loosening the soil to a depth of about six inches, ensuring the bulb clusters have room to expand.
The Planting Process
Once the soil is prepared, separate the individual shallot cloves from any clusters, as each clove will multiply into a new cluster. Plant the individual cloves with the pointed tip facing upward and the root-end facing down. Proper spacing is important for bulb size; closer planting yields smaller, single bulbs while wider spacing encourages large clusters.
Space each bulb four to six inches apart within the row, with rows 12 to 18 inches apart. The depth of planting is shallow; push the bulb into the soil just far enough so the neck is covered, or the very tip remains slightly exposed. Deep planting inhibits clove multiplication. After placing the sets, gently firm the soil and water lightly to settle the bulbs.
Essential Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is necessary throughout the active growth period, typically requiring about one inch of water per week, factoring in rainfall. Maintain even soil moisture without saturation, as standing water or soggy conditions can cause the bulbs to rot. Shallots have shallow roots and cannot compete effectively with weeds, so regular and gentle weeding is essential to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
A light layer of organic mulch helps suppress weeds and maintain even soil temperature and moisture. Shallots benefit from a balanced fertilizer application early in the season to encourage leafy growth, which supports bulb expansion. If the initial soil preparation included rich compost, apply a supplemental feeding of low-nitrogen, high-potassium, and high-phosphorus fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid excess nitrogen later in the season, as it encourages leaf growth at the expense of bulb development and reduces storage potential.
Harvesting and Curing
Shallots are ready for harvest in late summer when the green tops begin to yellow, soften, and fall over naturally. This signal indicates the plant has directed its energy toward the bulb and is entering its dormant phase. To prevent damage, choose a dry day for the harvest and carefully loosen the soil around the clusters using a garden fork or spade before gently lifting them.
After harvesting, the shallots must be cured to dry the outer layers and seal the neck for long-term storage. Do not wash the bulbs; instead, brush off large clumps of soil and lay the shallots in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight. Curing should last one to two weeks, until the necks and outer skins are completely dry and papery. Once cured, the dried foliage can be trimmed about an inch above the bulb, and the shallots are ready for storage in mesh bags in a cool, dry place.