If you love a good kitchen garden project, you need to try growing shallots. They're often called 'multiplier onions' because you plant one single bulb and get a whole cluster back. It’s one of the most satisfying things to harvest! Beyond being easy to grow, shallots have a delicate, sweet flavor that's amazing in salads and sauces. They're also nutritional powerhouses, packed with more antioxidants than regular onions, plus plenty of Potassium and Vitamin A. They are the perfect, subtle substitute for onions in any dish.

Continue reading if you want to know more about how you can grow these delicious bulbs right in your backyard. Following is an extensive guide that will help you with everything you need to know about growing shallots.

What Are Shallots, And Where Do They Come From?

Although Shallots have existed even during biblical times, they were first introduced to Europeans in the 12th Century.

As mentioned, they are commonly confused with onions, but the truth is that they do not even belong to the same species as onions. The confusion may be justified because they look pretty similar; however, Shallots are much sweeter when it comes to the taste. There are many theories about the origination of Shallots Some suggesting it was first grown somewhere in Asia.

Shallots work as a great substitute for onion or even garlic, as they do not cause intense breath when eaten, and they are pretty easy to grow even for a beginner.

Now that we have discussed what shallots are and where they come from. Let's discuss the different types of Shallots you can grow

What Are Shallots? (And Which Type Should You Grow?)

More than 500 different types of shallots exist in the world. Each type has its unique flavor, and some even have a unique appearance. However, since it is impossible to get into all 500 of its type, we will discuss a few more popular ones. French reds: These shallots often have a reddish hue on the surface French grays: These have a grayish coloration on the surface Brown shallots: These brown-colored shallots are also called potato onions, and they have a milder, more garlicky flavor to them. Dutch yellow: The Dutch shallots have creamy yellow flesh and taste more like an onion than other shallot types. The bulbs of this type are smaller than the other varieties. Ambition: Ambition shallots have large, tear-drop shaped bulbs and have a very mild onion flavor

Now that we have discussed the more popular types of shallots, let us find out how much time it would take for you to grow them.

How Long does It Take To Grow Shallots?

One of the reasons people love growing shallots is that they do not take very long to grow. An average shallot will typically take around 60-120 days to grow into a full-sized bulb. Shallots can be grown all year round if you have the right equipment, but it is important to notice that they are a cool-season vegetable, meaning they grow best six to eight weeks before the last average frost date.

Grow your shallots next fall or spring by planting the cloves directly into the ground, as you would do with garlic. Shallot cloves remain dormant is temperatures around 30-50 degrees but can grow in higher temperatures (90 degrees) Unfortunately, as shallots typically do not produce seeds, you cannot save seeds from one growing season for the next one.

A Step By Step Guide To Growing Shallots

Ideally, shallots should be grown in zone 4-10, but you can grow them in warmer zones by giving them a few hours in the shade every day. Now let us get into how you can get started with the planting:

How Shallots Grow and Multiply

Understanding how shallots reproduce is key to a successful harvest. Unlike onions that typically grow as a single bulb, shallots have a fascinating way of multiplying. You plant a single bulb, and over the growing season, it divides and develops into a whole cluster of new bulbs right under the soil. This unique characteristic is what makes them so rewarding to grow; your initial planting stock can yield a much larger harvest without any extra effort. It’s a simple, efficient process that makes it easy to keep a continuous supply of these flavorful alliums for your kitchen.

The "Multiplier Onion" Effect

Shallots are often called "multiplier onions" for a very good reason. As the name suggests, one plant grows two or more bulbs. When you plant a single shallot bulb, known as a set, it doesn't just grow larger. Instead, it sends up green shoots and begins to divide at its base, forming a cluster of new, individual bulbs connected at the root plate. Each of these new bulbs will mature, creating a full bunch ready for harvest. This natural multiplication means that from just one pound of starter shallots, you can easily harvest several pounds in return, making them a highly productive addition to your garden.

Understanding the Biennial Lifecycle

Shallots are biennials, meaning their natural lifecycle spans two years. However, we grow them as annuals, harvesting the bulbs in the first year. The key sign that they're ready for harvest is when the leaves start to yellow and bend over naturally. This usually happens in mid to late summer. For indoor growers, this timeline is much more flexible. By using environmental controls to manage temperature and light cycles, you can mimic ideal growing conditions and encourage your shallots to mature on your schedule, giving you a harvest whenever you need it.

How Clove Size Affects Your Harvest

The size of the initial bulb you plant has a direct impact on your final harvest. It’s a bit of a trade-off. If you plant small shallot bulbs, you will likely get fewer, but larger, new bulbs in your cluster. On the other hand, if you plant large bulbs, you can expect a greater number of smaller bulbs. There's no right or wrong choice; it simply depends on your preference. If you love large shallots for roasting, start with smaller sets. If you prefer lots of smaller shallots for pickling or dicing into sauces, choose larger sets to plant.

Growing from Sets vs. Seeds

When it comes to growing shallots, you have two main options: starting from sets or starting from seeds. Sets are small, dormant shallot bulbs from the previous year's harvest, and they are by far the most common and straightforward method. They establish quickly and offer a nearly foolproof path to a great harvest. Growing from seed is also an option, though it requires more time and patience. It’s a great choice if you want to grow a specific or rare variety that isn't available as sets, but it definitely involves a bit more work to get your plants started.

Growing Shallots from Sets

Growing from sets is the easiest way to get started with shallots. You plant them just like you would garlic cloves. Simply press each bulb a few inches deep into loose, well-draining soil with the pointed end facing up. Make sure the tip is just barely visible at the surface. Space them about eight inches apart to give each cluster room to develop. Using a high-quality growing medium is essential, as it ensures your bulbs have the drainage and aeration they need to thrive without rotting, setting the stage for a healthy and abundant harvest.

Growing Shallots from Seeds

While shallots can be grown from seeds, this method takes more effort and time compared to growing from sets. You'll need to start the seeds indoors several weeks before you plan to move them to their final spot. This process requires a stable environment with consistent light and warmth. Using a grow tent and reliable LED grow lights can create the perfect conditions for germination and early growth. Although it's a longer journey, starting from seed can be very rewarding, especially if you're an experienced grower looking to experiment with unique shallot varieties.

1. Prep Your Space: Containers vs. Raised Beds

Choosing between a container and a raised bed is up to your personal preference. A raised bed is placed directly on the ground on top of piled soil, making it a better choice if drainage is an issue for you. On the other hand, containers can be moved around, allowing you to protect your plants from severe weather and pests. You can grow shallots in a container very easily, provided your soil is well-amended. Whichever you choose to go with, you can prepare them by filling them with loose, well-draining soil. You may even add the organic matter of your choice to boost the growth.

Preparing Your Soil

Shallots aren't too fussy, but they perform best in rich, well-drained soil. Before you plant, take some time to improve your garden bed or container mix. A great way to do this is by working in some well-rotted compost or manure to give your shallots the nutrients they need to thrive. This simple step creates a loose, fertile environment perfect for bulb development. Aim for a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, somewhere between 6.0 and 7.0. Getting the foundation right with a quality growing medium ensures your shallots have everything they need from the start, leading to a much healthier and more abundant harvest down the line.

Choosing the Right Container Size

If you're short on garden space or just prefer the convenience of pots, you're in luck—shallots grow beautifully in containers. The key is to give them enough room to multiply. Select a pot that is at least one foot wide and deep. This size prevents overcrowding and allows each bulb to develop fully without competing for resources. Make sure any container you choose has excellent drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling, which can lead to rot. Using the right container is a simple way to manage your plants and can be a perfect fit for a controlled indoor setup, protecting your shallots from pests and unpredictable weather.

2. Get Your Shallots Ready for the Soil

Here is how you should prepare your shallots for planting

1. Peel the outer papery cover of the shallots.
2. Separate the bulb into separate cloves.
3. Position the clove in a way that leaves the pointed tip visible above the soil surface.
4. Make sure the soil is loose enough to allow the bulbs to push it out as they grow.
5. Plant each clove at least 5-6 inches away from each other to ensure proper growth.

When to Plant: Spring vs. Fall

Timing is everything when it comes to getting a great shallot harvest. Since shallots are a cool-season vegetable, they thrive when planted about six to eight weeks before the last average frost date. For many gardeners, the ideal time to plant is in the fall, around October. This gives the cloves a chance to establish their roots over the winter, leading to a robust harvest the following summer. If you miss the autumn window, don't worry! You can also have success with spring planting. Just get your shallots in the ground two to four weeks before your area's last spring frost. This timing ensures they get the cool start they need before the summer heat kicks in.

Planting Depth and Spacing

Giving your shallots the right amount of personal space is key to helping them multiply. When you’re ready to plant, push each clove into your prepared growing media about two to three inches deep, making sure the flat, root end is facing down. The pointy tip should be just barely sticking out of the soil surface. Space each individual clove about six to eight inches apart from its neighbors. If you're planting in rows, keep the rows themselves about 10 to 12 inches apart. This spacing might seem like a lot at first, but it gives each plant plenty of room to develop a full cluster of new bulbs without getting overcrowded.

3. How to Care for Your Growing Shallots

Once you have planted the clove in the soil, you need to take proper care of it till it grows into a full-sized shallot. You can do this by:

1. Protect your plant by layering it with mulch. This step is really necessary for colder zones to protect your shallots from frost but can be skipped in warmer 9-10 zones. However, even in warmer zones, there is no harm in layering mulch around as it protects your shallot from weeds.
2. Ensure that your Shallots are getting adequate water. You can do this by watering them at least an inch every week. You have to be careful that the soil remains moist without there being areas of pooled water.
3. Fertilizing your shallots is unnecessary, but you may go ahead with one containing a decent percentage of nitrogen every month. Similarly, you can use aged-manure or worm casting as well.
4. Shallots do not need to be pruned. However, if you want, you can harvest the leaves for consumption. Be careful you do not remove any stems, as that would inhibit the growth of the shallots.
5. Watch out for any signs of a possible pest attack while you wait for your shallots to grow. You should specifically look out for onion flies, as they tend to be very destructive. Keep pests at bay by introducing beneficial nematodes near your plant.
6. Diseases such as Downey Mildew may also destroy your shallots. Ensure proper watering techniques and neem oil to protect your cloves.

Watering Your Shallots

Keeping your shallots consistently watered is key to a successful harvest. Aim to give them about one inch of water per week, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. Because shallots have shallow roots, they can't handle drying out completely. This is where a good layer of mulch comes in handy—it helps the soil hold onto moisture and keeps weeds from moving in. If you're growing in pots, you'll need to check the soil more often since containers dry out faster. Using a quality growing medium that balances moisture retention with good drainage is a great way to set your container-grown shallots up for success.

Removing Flower Stems (Scapes)

At some point, you might see a thick, round stem growing from the center of your shallot plant. This is a flower stem, or scape, and you should remove it as soon as you spot it. When a shallot plant flowers, it puts all its energy into producing seeds instead of growing a big, tasty bulb. To make sure that energy goes where you want it—into the bulb—just snip the scape off close to the base of the plant. This simple task encourages the plant to form larger bulbs that will also keep much better in storage after you've harvested them.

Protecting Your Crop from Birds and Pests

Right after you plant them, your shallot sets can look like a tasty snack to local birds, who might pull them up before they can even root. You can prevent this by covering the area with garden netting until the green shoots are established. The good news is that shallots are pretty tough against many pests and can even help keep some away from neighboring plants. Still, it's always a good idea to watch for any potential issues. If you're growing indoors, you can bypass these outdoor problems entirely. A grow tent creates a protected space, keeping birds and other pests completely away from your crop.

4. When and How to Harvest Your Shallots

Now that your shallots have grown to the best of their potential, the time has come to harvest them finally. You can tell a shallot is ready to be harvested when the green tops become yellow and limp. To harvest your shallots, carefully loosen the soil around each bulb and remove them from the ground. They have shallow roots, which makes the whole process a whole lot easier. Once you have harvested the shallots, please place them in a tray to dry off and then move them to a cool and dry room.

Proper Harvesting Technique

Your shallots will give you a clear signal when they're ready: the green tops will start to yellow and fall over. This is your cue that the bulbs have matured and it's time to stop watering. To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the base of the plant cluster with a small hand trowel, being careful not to pierce the bulbs themselves. Because shallots have shallow roots, they are usually easy to lift from the ground once the soil is loose. You can then pull the entire cluster out by the base of the tops. Gently brush off any large clumps of soil, but don't wash them. The next step is all about preparing them for long-term storage.

5. Curing Your Shallots for Long-Term Storage

Curing is the secret to enjoying your homegrown shallots for months to come. This simple drying process hardens their outer skins and seals the neck, which prevents mold and rot from setting in. After harvesting, spread the shallots in a single layer on a screen or in a shallow bin. Place them in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight—a covered patio, airy garage, or a room with a fan works perfectly. Let them cure for about two weeks, or until the necks are completely dry and the outer skins feel papery to the touch. Proper airflow is crucial here to ensure they dry evenly and don't develop any soft spots.

Once your shallots are fully cured, it's time for the final prep. Use scissors or shears to trim the dried roots off the bottom and cut the tops down to about an inch above the bulb. If you left the tops long, you can also braid them together for a beautiful and practical way to hang them. For storage, find a spot that’s cool, dark, and dry, like a pantry or basement. The ideal conditions are low humidity and a temperature between 40-50°F. Getting the storage environment right is key, and using good environmental controls can help you monitor and maintain these conditions. Avoid the refrigerator, as it’s too humid, and never store them in plastic bags. A mesh bag or a ventilated crate is your best bet for keeping them fresh.

5. How to Store Shallots to Make Them Last

Storing Shallots is pretty simple; you can keep them fresh for weeks by placing them in a cool and dry room. You can also choose to freeze-dry or dehydrate them. A freeze-dry or dehydrated shallot stays fresh for over six months. Just make sure the shallot's outer cover remains attached if you plan to store them for longer than a few days.

Are Your Shallots Too Small?

So you were successful in growing your shallot, but are they too small? The chances are that your shallots were too small that you did not water them enough. Either that or the soil that you used lacks some of the nutrients required to ensure proper growth. You can tackle that problem by using the appropriate fertilizer. You also have to consider that shallots do not grow as big as onions, especially varieties such as Odetta's White shallots that are considerably smaller than the other types of shallots.

How Can Groindoor Help You In Growing Shallots?

We hope reading this guide got you excited at the prospects of growing your shallots. GroIndoor.com has everything you may need when growing shallots, from fertilizers to a container: We have got you covered! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your shovel and get planting!

Ideal Storage Conditions and Shelf Life

Once your shallots are cured, storing them is straightforward. You can keep them fresh for several weeks, and sometimes months, by placing them in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation, like a pantry or cellar. A mesh bag or a wire basket works perfectly for this. For much longer storage, you can also choose to freeze-dry or dehydrate them. A dehydrated or freeze-dried shallot can stay fresh for over six months, locking in that amazing flavor for future recipes. If you plan to store them fresh for more than a few days, just make sure the shallot's papery outer cover remains attached, as this layer helps protect the bulb and extend its shelf life.

Saving Bulbs for Next Season

One of the best parts about growing shallots is how easy it is to perpetuate your crop. You can save the best shallot cloves from your harvest to replant for next year. As you're sorting through your harvested bulbs, set aside the largest and healthiest ones. These are the cloves that will have the most energy stored up to produce a robust new crop. Store them just as you would the shallots you plan to eat—in a cool, dry place—until it's time for fall or spring planting. This simple practice not only saves you money but also allows your shallots to adapt to your specific garden's climate and soil over the years.

Companion Planting for Shallots

Companion planting is like creating a helpful little neighborhood for your plants, where different species support each other. Shallots are fantastic neighbors in the garden because they naturally help keep certain pests and diseases away. Their strong, oniony scent can confuse and repel insects like aphids and carrot rust flies that might be looking for a tastier meal. This makes them a great protective barrier for more vulnerable vegetables. By planting them strategically, you can create a healthier, more balanced ecosystem in your garden beds, reducing the need for other pest control methods.

Beyond just repelling pests, shallots also attract beneficial insects that act as pollinators and natural predators for harmful bugs. Think of them as the garden's security guards. However, just like in any community, not everyone gets along. While shallots are friendly with most plants, there are a few specific ones you should keep at a distance. Understanding these relationships is key to a successful garden layout. Pairing them with the right friends and keeping them away from the wrong ones will help all your plants thrive and give you a much better harvest.

Good Companion Plants

Shallots get along well with a wide variety of garden vegetables and herbs. They are excellent companions for members of the cabbage family, like broccoli and kale, as their strong scent helps deter cabbage worms. Planting them near carrots is another smart move, as they can help repel the carrot rust fly. Leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach also benefit from having shallots nearby, as they can ward off aphids. Tomatoes and strawberries are great partners, too; shallots can help protect them from common pests and fungal issues. Because of their compact growth habit, they won't compete for sunlight, making them an ideal and beneficial border plant.

Plants to Avoid

While shallots are generally agreeable, there are a few plants you should avoid placing next to them. Beans and peas are at the top of this list. These legumes are "nitrogen-fixers," meaning they add a lot of nitrogen to the soil. While that's great for many plants, too much nitrogen can cause shallots to produce lush green tops at the expense of bulb development. It's also wise to avoid planting shallots near other alliums, like onions and garlic, as they are all susceptible to the same pests and diseases, such as onion maggots. Keeping them separate prevents a potential problem from wiping out your entire allium crop.