Shallots in Penicuik

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 Penicuik · last frost ≈ 25 May

Plant out March to April, harvest August to October. Frost risk September to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Shallot

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    26 Mar to 25 Apr

    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 26th March - 25th April.

  2. 02

    Plant the Sets

    26 Mar to 25 Apr

    Plant sets around 26th March - 25th April, 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

    17 Apr to 8 Aug

    From 17th April, 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

    28 Aug to 9 Oct

    Harvest from 28th 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.