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 P P P          

(Best months for growing Shallots in Australia - tropical 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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07 Sep 12, Dawn (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had shallots planted for about 5weeks, one pot has little black/grey bugs all over green stems. Can someone tell me what is happening please. Thanks Dawn
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08 Sep 12, Rachel (Australia - temperate climate)
They are probably aphids. I have a few on my garlic & onion crop. If there are not too many, just squash them with your fingers, otherwise use pyrethrum
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08 Sep 12, Dawn (Australia - temperate climate)
Thankyou
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26 Feb 12, Rae (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought my shallots bulbs last year in Aldi around June/July
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22 Feb 12, Jane (Australia - tropical climate)
So, just wondering, do the same rules apply for growing spring onions?
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05 Jun 11, Cecilia (Australia - temperate climate)
How can you tell if shallots (bought from a supermarket) have been sprayed to stop sprouting?
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02 Jun 11, arthur (Australia - temperate climate)
The shallots perchased from the super market are now 50mm high.These I soaked in water with a litte thrive for a few days before planting. (arthur the mad gardener)
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19 May 11, arthur (Australia - arid climate)
I posted this for garlc which has been a geat success.Buy a shallot from the super market,place it in a small con. put in 5mm of water with a little thrive or seasol leave for three or four days.check the base for sign's of roots.If all goes well seperate and plant.I planted mine yesterday.If you wait I will let you know as soon as they show. Athur ( the mad gardner)
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06 Apr 11, Paul Beau (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I live in the Tampa Bay (Fla.) area.......Can I plant shallots here & can you give me some help ? I get great morning sun, then good indirect for the rest of the day......Thank You Paul
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23 Jan 11, Tim (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Has anyone experimented with replanting both small and large bulbs from the previous year? There seems to be a difference of opinion on whether it is better to replant the smallest bulbs or the largest bulbs. any thoughts/experience much appreciated! Tim
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Showing 91 - 100 of 138 comments
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I don't grow onions because they take so long to grow. We can buy onion in the shops for $1-1.50 a kg. The reason I grow shallots (a lot of people mix up shallots with spring onions and even eshallots) is because they are so easy and quick to grow and you keep bulbs from one year for the next year to plant. I planted some on Monday and they are shooting out of the ground today - Thursday - will be eating them in about 5 weeks time. Happy gardening - great rewards from eating what you grow.

- Mike

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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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