How to Grow Shallots
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Shallots are grown mainly from sets planted in late winter/early spring (or autumn types in mild areas) in full sun and free-draining, fertile soil. Each set divides to form a cluster of bulbs. Space well, keep weed-free, and water during dry spells, but avoid over-feeding with nitrogen. Stop watering as foliage yellows and bends; lift in dry weather and cure thoroughly before storing. Autumn-planted types give the earliest crops; spring-planted keep well.
When to Start
Plant directly outdoors once soil temperature reaches 6°C. No seed starting needed — grow from bulbs, tubers, or sets.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light balanced feed in spring. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds.
- Each set produces a cluster of 6–12 shallots. Easier to grow than onions and store better.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 6°C+
- Germination temperature
- 8–20°C
Pet Safety
- Direct sow
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 15 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 2 cm |
| Mature height | 40 cm |
| Mature spread | 15 cm |
Plant individual bulbs. Each bulb will multiply into a cluster of new shallots.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Onion Fly
Identification: Young plants wilt and yellow; small white maggots found inside bulbs when lifted; soft, rotting bulbs
- Cover rows with fine mesh or enviromesh from planting to prevent egg-laying
- Firm soil around sets after planting — loose soil attracts egg-laying females
- Rotate allium crops on a 3-year cycle
- No effective chemical treatments available to home gardeners; barrier methods are the primary control
Pest Allium Leaf Miner
Identification: Lines of white dots on leaves where adult flies have punctured tissue; brown pupae visible inside leaves or bulbs; distorted growth
- Cover crops with fine mesh from March to April and again September to November to exclude adult flies
- Check plants regularly and remove any with visible mines or pupae
- Rotate allium crops
- No effective chemical treatments available; physical barriers are the only reliable control
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Chewed foliage; slime trails; sets pulled from soil or hollowed out
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate based) around newly planted sets
- Hand-pick at dusk; use beer traps
- Keep the area around plants clear of debris
- Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around plants
Disease White Rot Sclerotium cepivorum
Symptoms: Yellowing and wilting foliage; fluffy white fungal growth at the base of bulbs; small black sclerotia in the white mycelium; soft, rotting bulbs
Treatment: No cure — remove and destroy infected plants and surrounding soil; do not compost
Prevention: Never plant alliums in soil where white rot has occurred; rotate on a very long cycle (8+ years); avoid moving contaminated soil on tools or boots
Disease Downy Mildew Peronospora destructor
Symptoms: Pale, greyish-purple fuzzy growth on leaves; leaves yellow from the tips downwards; bulbs may be soft and fail to store
Treatment: Remove affected foliage; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering
Prevention: Space plants well; ensure good airflow; avoid wet foliage; plant in well-drained soil; rotate crops
Disease Rust Puccinia allii
Symptoms: Bright orange pustules on leaves; leaves yellow and die back prematurely; reduced bulb size
Treatment: Remove badly affected leaves; improve air circulation
Prevention: Space plants well; avoid high-nitrogen feeds; rotate allium crops; clear debris at end of season
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 6°C |
| Germination temperature | 8–20°C |
| Base growth temperature | 6°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 9h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | long day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Shallots?
- Plant Shallots 15cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- Is Shallots frost hardy?
- Shallots is classified as Hardy.
