Shallot Seeds

Great for cooking, very healthy and easy to grow! Shallots are often thought to be another variety of onion, but they are actually a species of their own. Shallots have a mild taste that combines the flavor of a sweet onion with a touch of garlic. They grow in clusters, where separate sets are attached at the base and by loose skins.

Shallot Seeds

Shallot sets are small, dried bulbs grown during the previous season, but not allowed to mature. Replanting shallot sets can produce a mature crop earlier than starting from seed. Shallot sets can be planted 4-6 weeks before the last average frost date for your area. The most common issues for shallots are related to fungal growth, which occurs during periods of high moisture and humidity. Avoid fungal issues with your sets by unboxing immediately and providing adequate ventilation.

• Open box immediately upon receipt to provide air flow.

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area until they can be planted.

• Planting as soon as possible is ideal, but sets can store in ideal conditions.

• DO NOT put sets in soil or water before planting.

Shallots grow best in fertile, well drained soil. Choose a sunny location with a neutral pH (5.0 - 7.0). Amend soil by adding peat, compost or well aged manure. For heavy clay soils or other soils with poor drainage, you may want to consider planting in raised beds.

Shallots may be planted in the spring or fall. In Fall: Plant in 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. Cover with 4-6 inches of mulch. When soil warms in the spring, carefully remove excess mulch. In early spring: Plant 2-4 weeks before your last average frost date. Cover with 1-2 inches of mulch to aid in moisture retention. Plant shallot bulbs 4-6 inches apart in row, with 12 inches of spacing in between rows. Plant shallot bulbs at a depth of 1 inch with roots facing down. Hill soil around shallot stems as they grow.

Shallots are ready to harvest in late summer when tops begin to wither and turn brown. Dig from soil, being careful not to wound or damage bulbs. Gently remove as much soil as possible from the bulbs. Allow bulbs to cure in a well ventilated area protected from sun and precipitation for 2-4 weeks. Remove foliage once it has dried down and store bulbs in a mesh bag in a cool, dry space that is well ventilated.