Growing Shallots, also Eschalots

Allium cepa, aggregatum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P           P      

(Best months for growing Shallots in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Plant small bulblets, with stem just showing above ground. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 - 20 cm apart
  • Harvest in 12-15 weeks. Keep a few for your next planting.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Lemon Balm, Borage, Carrots, Beets, Silverbeet, Lettuce, Amaranth
  • Avoid growing close to: Peas, Beans

Your comments and tips

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02 Sep 10, Cygnetian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes, the planting times above are not right for Tasmania . Shallots should be planted in spring in Tassie (as per packet instructions on purchased seed shallots).
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02 Sep 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The planting dates are intended as a guide - local conditions may affect your planting times.
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11 Dec 09, GB (Australia - temperate climate)
To Stuart: Depends where you live. In WA they are for whatever reason considered a pest and as such the seeds cannot be imported into the state (but you can grow from bulb???). Maybe try the diggers club (google it).
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09 Dec 09, STUART (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Has anyone any ideas of where i can purchase some seed for these french shallots, I have hunted everywhere locally to no avail any help will be most appreciated
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02 Sep 10, Cygnetian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Stuart, if you happen to be in Tassie, Mitre 10 tends to sell them, but only in the winter, a few months before they're due to be planted. I bought some red shallots a few years ago from Mitre 10 marketed by Trenton Cottage Bulbs . Apparently, however, this season there was a problem with red shallots - some kind of disease on the mainland or something. Basically, keep an eye out in winter in the hardware stores and nurseries. I think they pretty much always sell out, like potatoes.
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23 Oct 09, (Australia - temperate climate)
how long does it take before you can pick them
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25 Apr 13, Davo from Bribie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
True shallots are ready when the foliage becomes partly withered and bulbs have reached marketable size.
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19 Oct 09, jenny V. (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Have flourishing shallots I bought at a supermarket. Do I wait until their foliage dies before I pull them out or can I use them now, as I want to do? Love shallots.
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03 Jan 23, Wayne Jacobsen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes. Wait till leaves start to die off - March or April. I 'tickle' a few a bit earlier if needed. In December/January, give the clumps a dose of general fertiliser or blood and bone - this boosts the developing bulbs.
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16 Sep 09, Graeme Collett (Australia - temperate climate)
I now belong to the supermarket treatment school. Have had ZERO result with these. They just sit there and rot. Maybe some supplies treat and some don't. Mine came from Coles but will try Woolies. I try and avoid the "big boys" but will keep eye out at local bloke. Fingers crossed.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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