Autumn Planting Shallot Duo

Where to Plant
Plant your shallot sets in an open, sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Before planting, remove weeds and work in well-rotted garden compost if needed. Avoid freshly manured ground and areas that stay wet over winter, as shallots can rot in waterlogged soil.

Planting
Plant each set with the pointed end facing upwards and the tip just showing above the soil surface. Space sets around 15cm apart, with 30cm between rows. Gently firm the soil around them after planting.

Growing in Containers
Both varieties can also be grown in large, well-drained containers. Choose a pot at least 30cm wide and deep and space the sets around 15cm apart, allowing room for each one to multiply into a cluster of new shallots. Container-grown plants will need more regular watering than those in the ground, particularly during dry weather while the bulbs are actively developing.

Watering & Feeding
Once established, shallots generally only need additional watering during prolonged dry spells. Keep them well watered in dry weather while the bulbs are actively developing and swelling, as a lack of moisture at this stage can limit their final size. Once the bulbs are fully developed and the foliage begins to yellow and fall over, stop watering to allow the crop to mature ready for lifting.

Well-prepared soil should provide a good start. On poorer soils, autumn-planted shallots can be given a balanced vegetable feed as growth gets underway in spring. Avoid excessive high-nitrogen feeding, which can encourage lots of leafy growth at the expense of good bulb development.

Keep Them Weed Free
Shallots have relatively shallow roots, so weeds can quickly compete with them for water and nutrients. Weed regularly, taking care not to damage the developing bulbs or shallow roots.

Protecting Newly Planted Sets
Birds can sometimes pull newly planted shallot sets from the soil before they've rooted properly. Check them regularly and gently push any disturbed sets back into place. Fleece or suitable netting can be used temporarily until the sets are securely rooted.

Good Companions
Grow shallots alongside crops such as carrots, beetroot, lettuce and other leafy salads. Their upright growth means they fit neatly into a mixed vegetable plot without taking up too much space.

Making the Most of Your Bed
Quick-growing crops such as radishes and salad leaves can be grown nearby and harvested while your shallots are still developing. Just make sure the shallots aren't crowded and continue to receive plenty of light.

Crop Rotation
Avoid growing shallots where onions, garlic, leeks or other shallots have recently been grown. These crops belong to the same plant family and can be affected by some of the same soil-borne pests and diseases.

Planning Ahead
Where possible, leave three to four years before growing onion-family crops in the same spot again. Once your shallots have been lifted, the cleared ground can be used for later-sown salads and other quick-growing vegetables.

When to Harvest
Your shallots are ready to lift when the foliage begins to turn yellow and naturally flop over. The two varieties may mature at slightly different times, so harvest each as it becomes ready rather than waiting for the whole crop.

How to Harvest
Choose a dry day and carefully loosen the soil beneath each cluster with a garden fork. Lift the bulbs gently to avoid bruising or damaging them.

Drying Your Shallots
Leave freshly lifted shallots somewhere dry and airy until the foliage and outer skins are thoroughly dry and papery. In fine weather they can be dried outside; if conditions are damp, move them somewhere covered with plenty of ventilation.

Storing Your Harvest
Once thoroughly dried, keep sound, undamaged bulbs in net bags or trays somewhere light, cool, dry and well ventilated. Check them occasionally and use any bulbs that begin to soften first.

Top Tip
Keep the two varieties labelled when you harvest them so you can compare their flavour, size and performance – and decide which one earns the most space on your plot next year.

Two Flavours to Enjoy
This duo gives you two distinctive shallots to enjoy in the kitchen. ‘Jermor’ has a refined, mild flavour and distinctive elongated bulbs, while ‘Golden Gourmet’ has a mild, sweet flavour that's ideal for everyday cooking.

Best Enjoyed
Use them raw in salads and dressings, slowly caramelise them for sauces and gravies, add them to casseroles or roast them until soft and sweet. ‘Jermor’s’ long bulbs are particularly handy for slicing, while ‘Golden Gourmet’ is a versatile all-rounder.

Great for Pickling
Save some of the smaller, evenly sized bulbs for pickling whole. Their compact size makes them ideal for popping straight into a jar once prepared.

Make the Most of Your Harvest
Try the two varieties side by side. ‘Jermor’ brings the character of a classic French long shallot, while ‘Golden Gourmet’ gives you larger, rounded golden bulbs with plenty of uses across everyday cooking.

Top Tip
Don't overlook the smallest bulbs at harvest time. They're excellent roasted or pickled whole, leaving your larger shallots for slicing and chopping.

What to Expect When They Arrive
Your collection contains dormant ‘Red Sun’ and ‘Golden Gourmet’ shallot sets, supplied in netted bags ready for planting. Sets are sold by weight, so the number of individual bulbs you receive may vary slightly.

Ready to Plant
Your shallot sets can be planted out as soon as they arrive. Each small bulb will establish roots before multiplying as it grows to produce a cluster of new shallots for harvesting.

If You Can't Plant Straight Away
Keep the sets in their netted bags somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated until you're ready to plant. Check them occasionally and plant as soon as conditions allow.