When to Plant Shallots: Spring, Fall and Southern Dates

Shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) are grown like onions, but each bulb you plant usually divides into a cluster of smaller bulbs (Clemson). You can cut the leaves as green onions while they grow, or wait for the clumps of dry bulbs (Clemson, Utah State). Most gardeners plant bulb sets, but shallots can also be grown from seed, and each seed makes a single bulb (Utah State).

Spring dates by last frost

Utah State plants shallot bulbs and seed in early spring "as soon as the ground can be worked." GardenPal translates that as about 4 to 2 weeks before your average last frost, the same range our calendar uses for onion sets. If your soil is still frozen or soggy then, wait until it crumbles in your hand. The last column shows when tops are big enough to cut as green onions, about 50 to 60 days after planting (Utah State).

Spring-planted shallots form dry bulbs in summer. They are ready when most of the tops have fallen over, and the exact date depends on the variety (Utah State). Utah State's schedule also stops feeding after mid-July, because late nitrogen pushes leaf growth and cuts storage life.

Fall-planted shallots

Utah State says shallot sets can go in in autumn, after the first frost, for a harvest in late spring. Very cold winters can reduce the yield, so in zones 4 and 5 it suggests covering the bed with frost cloth or mulch. The table shows the first frost to about 3 weeks after it, which is GardenPal's window for getting sets in while the soil is still workable.

This is the same rhythm as garlic, which also goes in during fall and overwinters under mulch; see when to plant garlic.

Shallots in the South

Where winters are mild, plant shallots in fall. Clemson's onion-family factsheet says shallots, like garlic, grow best from a fall planting in South Carolina. The bulbs grow through the winter, green shallots can be cut about 60 days after planting, and dry bulbs are ready in late spring once the tops have died down completely. The same fall-to-spring pattern applies to onions in mild-winter areas; see when to plant onions.

Planting and spacing

Spacing changes what you get. Utah State says close spacing gives smaller, single bulbs (and is the way to go if you mostly want green onions), while wide spacing lets each bulb form a cluster of 10 to 15. Varieties it names include 'French Red' (the most common), 'Gray Griselle' (best flavor) and 'Dutch Yellow' (stronger, more onion-like).

Harvest, curing and storage

For green shallots, cut tops when they are 6 to 8 inches tall, about 50 to 60 days after planting (Utah State); Clemson says some leaves can be cut at ground level, but plants that are cut heavily won't make as many bulbs. For dry bulbs, lift the clumps after most tops fall over, separate them, and cure in a warm, dry spot for about 1 to 2 weeks until the skins are papery (Utah State, Clemson). Store in mesh bags somewhere cool and dry; Utah State gives 32 to 40°F. Clemson suggests using or replanting the smallest bulbs first, since they don't keep as well, and keeps green shallots in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Pests and diseases

Shallots get the same problems as onions (Clemson). Utah State lists onion maggot, thrips and leafminers, plus gray mold and downy mildew. Rotating where onion-family crops grow, watering at the base instead of overhead, and leaving room for air to move all help (Utah State).

Where shallots go in the garden

Treat shallots like onions when you plan the bed. See what to plant with onions for good neighbors and the crops to keep apart, and plant them in the same rotation group as onions, garlic and leeks; see when to plant leeks.

Frequently asked questions

When should I plant shallots?

In early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in autumn after the first frost for a late-spring harvest (Utah State). In the South, fall planting works best (Clemson).

Can you plant shallots in the fall?

Yes. Utah State plants sets in autumn after the first frost and suggests frost cloth or mulch in zones 4 and 5. Clemson says shallots grow best from a fall planting in South Carolina.

How deep do you plant shallots?

Plant bulb sets 1 to 2 inches deep (Utah State, Clemson). Seed goes ¼ to ½ inch deep (Utah State).

How far apart should shallots be planted?

Utah State uses 3 to 6 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart; Clemson uses 6 to 8 inches. Wider spacing gives bigger clusters.

How long do shallots take to grow?

Tops can be cut as green onions about 50 to 60 days after planting (Utah State, Clemson). Dry bulbs are ready when the tops fall over, in summer for spring plantings and late spring for fall plantings.

When do you harvest shallots?

When most of the tops have fallen over and dried. Lift the clumps, separate the bulbs and cure them for 1 to 2 weeks until the skins are papery (Utah State).

Can you replant shallots from the store or your own harvest?

Utah State says properly stored shallot bulbs can be replanted in spring, and Clemson suggests replanting the smaller bulbs. Bulbs sold for planting are the safer bet for disease-free stock.