Jermor
A long-storing, widely grown UK shallot with good-sized bulbs and a mild flavour.
When to plant Shallots in London
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
Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
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.
01
Prepare the Bed
3 Feb to 5 MarDig the soil over before planting around 3rd February - 5th March. Work in compost if the ground is poor. Drainage must be good.
02
Plant the Sets
3 Feb to 5 MarPlant sets around 3rd February - 5th 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.
03
Keep Weed Free
3 Feb to 3 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 3rd February to 3rd July, keep weeds down. Hoe lightly between the rows. Do not disturb the shallow roots.
04
Lift and Cure
29 Jun to 3 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stageHarvest from 29th June 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
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.
Related plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest June to August. Frost risk November to April.
Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest October to March. Frost risk November to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest June to August. Frost risk November to April.
Shallot guides by town
See how Shallot timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.