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
  • "Tree Onions" (commons.wikimedia.org - Liez - CC BY 3.0)

Shallots are grown from small bulbs kept from the main plant. Once they are established, you can keep your supply going indefinitely by saving a few bulblets each year.

A type of small mild multiplying onion, popular in French cooking.

Tree onions or 'walking onions' produce bulbs at the top of the stem.

Shallots are not spring onions and are quite different to the green bunching 'Eschallots' (Allium fistulosum) which, just to confuse us, are also sometimes called 'shallots' in Eastern Australia.

They are more like garlic in their growth as they form a clump of bulbs at the base of the stem.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Shallots

Use in any recipe instead of onions.
Can be cooked whole, braised gently with other vegetables.
Sometimes pickled.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
16 Sep 22, Audrey Whitnell (USA - Zone 5a climate)
My mom successfully grew "multiplier onions" for many years but eventually lost her seed. What is a good variety to plant in Northeast Missouri zone 5.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Apr 20, Michelle (USA - Zone 8b climate)
When do you plant the shallot seed? Is it recommended to direct sow? If so when? Or is recommended to start indoors (if so when?) and then transplant outside (if so, when?). Thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Feb 21, (USA - Zone 7b climate)
A true shallot is grown from bulbs. I plant 3 bulbs together. These can then grow into between 10 and 40 stalks. These stalks will form a bulb if left to do so. I generally pick the stalks before they flower and bulb. I leave the plant to bulb if I want bulbs for replanting and I sell the bulbs to Indian and Asian people for cooking. I believe a spring onion doesn't bulb but has a seed head. Scallions are like a spring onion but do not go to seed. They taste a bit like an onion. You can pick these and replant them, cut most of the top off and plant leaving some stalk sticking out of the soil. In some parts of the world shallots are called multiplying onion, potato onions and I'itoi onions.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 May 18, Jonathan Pursley (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Can I grow shallots successfully indoors under lights? If so what light cycle will be most successful?
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Oct 15, Dan (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Thanks for the gardening help, tips, and reminders. Very helpful.
Reply or Post a new comment
See comments for all plants

Kay, They should grow but it may depend on where they come from. If they are imported then they may have been treated by who-knows-what. Also there is some speculation that supermarket vegies are treated to stop them from sprouting. Some say they definitely are, some say that is an urban myth. My theory is give it a go!

- Grahame

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.