When to plant Shallots in the UK

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
Plant out March to April, harvest July to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

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

    early March to early April UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Dig the soil over before planting around early March to early April. Work in compost if the ground is poor. Drainage must be good.

  2. 02

    Plant the Sets

    early March to early April UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant sets around early March to early April, 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

    early March to early August UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From early March to early August, keep weeds down. Hoe lightly between the rows. Do not disturb the shallow roots.

  4. 04

    Lift and Cure

    late July to early October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Harvest from late 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.