Spring Planting Shallot Duo

Where to Plant

Plant your shallot sets in an open, sunny position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Before planting, remove weeds and work in well-rotted garden compost if needed. Avoid freshly manured ground and soil that stays wet, as shallots can rot in waterlogged conditions.

When to Plant

Plant your spring shallot sets from February to April, once conditions are suitable. If the ground is frozen, waterlogged or particularly cold and wet, wait for conditions to improve before planting.

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 and water 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 give each set enough room 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, give plants a balanced vegetable feed as growth gets underway. 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.

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

Spring-planted ‘Red Sun’ and ‘Golden Gourmet’ shallots are generally ready to lift from July onwards. Harvest each cluster as the foliage begins to turn yellow and naturally flop over, rather than waiting for both varieties to mature at exactly the same time.

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 individual shallots and leave them somewhere dry and airy until the foliage, necks 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

Both varieties have good keeping qualities. Once thoroughly cured, keep sound, undamaged bulbs in net bags or trays somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated. Check them occasionally and remove any bulbs that begin to soften or deteriorate.

Top Tip

Use any damaged bulbs first, along with bulbs from plants that produced a flower stem, and keep your firmest, thoroughly dried shallots for longer storage.

Two Flavours in One Collection

‘Red Sun’ has crisp white flesh with a rich, flavoursome bite, while ‘Golden Gourmet’ offers a milder, sweeter flavour. Growing both gives you plenty of choice when it comes to using your harvest.

Best Enjoyed

Finely slice the bulbs into salads and dressings, roast them whole, slowly caramelise them for sauces and gravies, or add them to casseroles. Smaller bulbs are also particularly handy for pickling whole.

Make the Most of Your Crop

Use smaller shallots whole for roasting or pickling and keep larger bulbs for slicing and chopping. Enjoy some freshly lifted through summer, then thoroughly cure the remainder for storage.

Top Tip

Try roasting a mixture of the red and golden shallots together. Slow cooking softens their flavour and brings out their natural sweetness.

What to Expect When They Arrive
Your collection is supplied as dormant shallot sets in netted bags, with approximately 15 sets of each variety ready for spring 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, providing the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged. 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.