Shallots in Freshford

Allium cepa Aggregatum Group

Shallot
Shallot · Allium cepa Aggregatum Group

Shallots are a hardy allium for the UK garden, usually grown from sets planted in late winter or early spring. Give them a free-draining bed, keep weeds down, and lift the bulbs once the tops yellow and fall over.

30 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Freshford · last frost ≈ 28 Apr

Plant out February to March, harvest August to September. Frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Shallot

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    27 Feb to 29 Mar

    Dig the soil over before planting and work in compost if the ground is poor. Make sure drainage is good, because shallots dislike sitting wet over winter and early spring. Aim to finish this work around 27th February - 29th March.

  2. 02

    Plant the Sets

    27 Feb to 29 Mar

    Plant sets around 27th February - 29th March, with the tips just showing above the surface. Space them apart in rows and water in thoroughly straight after planting.

  3. 03

    Keep Weed Free

    21 Mar to 12 Jul

    From 21st March, keep the bed free of weeds so the bulbs do not have to compete for light and moisture. Hoe lightly between the rows and avoid disturbing the shallow roots.

  4. 04

    Lift and Cure

    1 Aug to 12 Sept

    Harvest from 1st August when the foliage starts to yellow and fall over. Lift the bulbs carefully, dry them in a airy place for days, then store them somewhere cool and dry.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Shallot.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Shallot to consider

Jermor

A long-storing, widely grown UK shallot with good-sized bulbs and a mild flavour.

Longor

A popular French-style shallot with long bulbs and reliable crops from sets.

Red Sun

A red-skinned shallot that grows well from sets and stores well after curing.

Shallot guides by town

See how Shallot timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.