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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Shallot
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Prepare the Bed
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 .
Plant the Sets
Plant sets around , with the tips just showing above the surface. Space them apart in rows and water in thoroughly straight after planting.
Keep Weed Free
From , 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.
Lift and Cure
Harvest from 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.
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