This guide focuses specifically on planting shallot bulbs. For care through harvest and storage, use the complete shallot growing guide.
When to Plant Shallots
Plant in fall where winters are suitable for overwintering shallots. In very cold regions or where winter soil stays excessively wet, spring planting may be more reliable. Local extension guidance and the variety’s instructions should take priority over a universal date.
Prepare a Well-Drained Bed
Choose full sun and soil that drains readily. Loosen compacted soil and use a soil test to guide amendments. Avoid automatically adding phosphorus or heavy fertilizer when soil levels are already adequate.
Separate and Inspect the Bulbs
Gently separate planting bulbs if they arrive in clusters. Keep the papery wrapper intact when possible. Do not plant bulbs that are soft, moldy, badly damaged, or decaying.
Planting Orientation and Depth
- Place each bulb root end down and pointed end up.
- Set it so the tip is near the soil surface, following the supplier’s depth directions and adjusting for erosion or frost heaving.
- Firm the soil gently without compacting it.
Spacing Shallot Bulbs
Allow roughly 6–8 inches between bulbs and about 10–12 inches between rows unless the variety or production system calls for another layout. Shallots multiply into clusters, so crowding can restrict bulb development and airflow.
First Watering and Mulch
Water after planting to settle soil around the roots, then irrigate according to soil moisture and weather. Shallots need moisture but are vulnerable in saturated soil. In cold climates, a loose mulch can moderate temperature and frost heaving; in wet climates, avoid creating a dense layer that holds water against emerging plants.
After Planting
Label varieties, keep weeds small, and check for heaving or drainage problems. Once growth is established, move to the pillar guide for feeding, irrigation, harvest, curing, and storage.
Planting Resources
Shallot Planting Resources
Continue with the complete shallot cultivation guide.
16 comments
Hugh, shallots can be planted in the fall in your zone, but it should go in about 4-6 weeks before the first frost. You want to plant it so the roots get established before the frost. If you are late in planting, I would suggest a very thick layer of mulch to keep it protected. The mulch can be pulled back in the spring when temperatures warm.
Very cold areas is relative as in “Shallots should be spring planted in very cold areas.” I am in Zone 6B. Should I wait for spring or plant the shallots I bought from you now? Thanks.
Mary, the shallots will not look like much until the summer. They will start to bulb up in June or July. You know they are done when the tops dry up.
My daughter and I each planted garlic and shallots from PVFS in October in two different raised bed gardens. The shallots grew like crazy but look like leeks with large stems instead of bulbs.
I harvested one and used it like a leek. It was tasty….but we were hoping for shallots. any ideas what to do next time?
Elizabeth, since your shallots were so small, it sounds like a nutritional deficiency. They should be ok growing in a large pot, but plants grown in pots tend to need more frequent feedings than if you planted in the ground. I would try them again and just be more diligent about feeding often and give them a fertilizer with more phosphorus. I like using the Rose & Flower mix. You can also give them bone meal. Save your small shallots and replant them this fall.