Shallot 'Jermor' (Autumn Planting) Sets

Where to Plant
Plant Shallot ‘Jermor’ 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 15–20cm apart, with 25–30cm between rows. Gently firm the soil around them after planting.

Growing in Containers
‘Jermor’ can also be grown in a large, well-drained container. 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 and storage.

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 with a hoe.

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.

Watch for Flower Stems
Occasionally a shallot may start to flower, known as bolting. If you spot a flower stem, remove it as soon as it appears so the plant can concentrate its energy on developing the bulbs. Remember which plants have flowered, as these bulbs may not store as well and are best used first after harvesting.

Good Companions
Grow shallots alongside crops such as carrots, beetroot, lettuce and other leafy salads. Their relatively 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 are all members of the same plant family and can be affected by some of the same soil-borne pests and diseases.

Planning Ahead
Ideally, leave three to four years before growing shallots or other onion-family crops in the same spot again. Once your ‘Jermor’ crop has 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. There's no need to wait for every plant to reach exactly the same stage – lift mature clusters as they're ready.

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, particularly if you intend to store your crop.

Drying Your Shallots
Carefully separate the clusters into individual bulbs, then spread them out in a single layer where air can circulate around them. In dry weather they can be left to cure outside; if conditions are damp, move them into a greenhouse or well-ventilated shed. They're ready for storage once the foliage and outer skins are thoroughly dry and papery.

Storing Your Harvest
‘Jermor’ is particularly valued for its excellent storage qualities. Store only sound, undamaged bulbs in net bags or trays somewhere light, cool, dry and well ventilated. Avoid storing them in the dark, as this can encourage sprouting.

Top Tip
Use any damaged bulbs first, along with bulbs from plants that produced a flower stem, as these are less suitable for long-term storage.

Flavour
‘Jermor’ has sweet, crisp, well-flavoured flesh with an attractive pink tinge. It's milder than an onion, but still has plenty of flavour for everyday cooking.

Best Enjoyed
Roast the shallots whole until soft and sweet, slowly caramelise them for tarts, gravies and sauces, or slice them into casseroles, curries and traybakes.

Easy to Prepare
One of ‘Jermor’s’ advantages in the kitchen is its elongated, uniform shape. The bulbs are particularly easy to peel and slice finely for dressings, salads and sauces.

Storage
There's no need to use your whole crop at once. Once thoroughly dried, ‘Jermor’ stores well, giving you a supply of homegrown shallots to enjoy after harvest.

Top Tip
Try roasting smaller shallots whole rather than chopping them. Slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a beautifully soft texture.

What to Expect When They Arrive
‘Jermor’ is supplied as dormant shallot sets in a netted bag, ready for planting. Sets are sold by weight, so the number of individual bulbs you receive may vary slightly from the approximate count shown on our website.

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 bag somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated until you're ready to plant. Check them occasionally and plant as soon as conditions allow.

Healthy Stock
Our ‘Jermor’ sets come from certified virus- and eelworm-free stock, giving you healthy, quality planting material to get your crop off to a strong start.