When to plant Shallots in Leeds

Allium cepa Aggregatum Group

Shallot
Shallot · Allium cepa Aggregatum Group

A hardy allium for the UK garden, grown from sets. Plant in spring for a summer lift, or plant named autumn types for bulbs next summer. Give them a free-draining bed, keep weeds down, and lift once the tops yellow and fall over.

30 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Leeds · last frost ≈ 24 Apr

Plant out February to March, harvest July to September. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Grow shallots from sets in open ground. Choose a free-draining bed and keep it weeded.

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    23 Feb to 25 Mar

    Dig the soil over before planting around 23rd February - 25th March. Work in compost if the ground is poor. Drainage must be good.

  2. 02

    Plant the Sets

    23 Feb to 25 Mar

    Plant sets around 23rd February - 25th March, tips just showing. Space apart. Firm the soil. Water only if the ground is dry.

    • Skip planting if the bed sits wet.
    • Birds lift sets. Cover with fleece or mesh until they root.

  3. 03

    Keep Weed Free

    23 Feb to 23 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 23rd February to 23rd July, keep weeds down. Hoe lightly between the rows. Do not disturb the shallow roots.

  4. 04

    Lift and Cure

    19 Jul to 23 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Harvest from 19th July when the foliage starts to yellow and fall over. Lift carefully. Dry them for two to three weeks in an airy place, then store somewhere cool and dry.

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.