Jermor
A long-storing, widely grown UK shallot with good-sized bulbs and a mild flavour.
When to plant Shallots in the UK
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
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
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
01
Prepare the Bed
early March to early April UK average · set your town for your exact datesDig 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 early March to early April.
02
Plant the Sets
early March to early April UK average · set your town for your exact datesPlant sets around early March to early April, with the tips just showing above the surface. Space them apart in rows and firm the soil around them. Water only if the ground is dry, as shallots dislike sitting wet.
03
Keep Weed Free
mid-March to early August UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom mid-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.
04
Lift and Cure
late July to early October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stageHarvest from late July when the foliage starts to yellow and fall over. Lift the bulbs carefully, dry them for days in an airy place, 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
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.
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