When should I plant shallot sets in the UK?

Late February to mid-March is the main spring planting window. Earlier-planted sets risk rotting in cold wet soil; later-planted sets don't have time to mature properly. Hardy overwintering varieties (Red Sun, Yellow Moon) can be planted in November–December for an earlier July crop.

How many shallots do I get from one set?

6–12 daughter bulbs per set, depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Banana / Echalion shallots tend to produce fewer, longer bulbs (5–8); round shallots produce more, smaller bulbs (8–12). One small bag of sets typically yields 5–10 kg of shallots from a 5-metre row.

What's the difference between shallots and onions?

Both are Allium cepa but different cultivar groups. Shallot (Aggregatum Group): one set produces a cluster of bulbs; sweeter, milder flavour; longer storage life (8–10 months); easier to grow. Onion (Cepa Group): one set produces one bulb; stronger flavour; varied storage life. Both have the same general care; shallots are arguably easier and more forgiving.

What's the difference between banana shallots and round shallots?

Banana / Echalion shallots (Longor, Pikant, Eschalote Grise): long elongated bulbs, 4–6 per cluster, premium kitchen variety. Round shallots (Golden Gourmet, Red Sun, Mikor): traditional round bulbs, 8–12 per cluster, heavier overall yield. The flavours are similar; the choice is about size and yield-per-set.

Why are my shallots small and undersized?

Most likely: too much nitrogen (rich soil), too much shade, planted too late, or allium leaf miner damage. Don't fork in fresh manure before planting; sun for at least 6 hours a day; plant by mid-March in spring; net against leaf miner from March onwards.

How long do shallots store?

8–10 months for well-cured properly-stored bulbs — well into the following spring. The trick is full curing (necks fully papery and dry before stacking) and cool dry storage. Round shallots typically store longer than banana types. Inspect monthly; soft ones go to the kitchen first.

Schalotte

Allium cepa Aggregatum Group

Plant shallot sets from late February to mid-March (or in November–December for autumn-planted overwintering types). Shallots are hardy (RHS H5–H6) and one of the easiest UK alliums — set one bulb in the ground in spring, lift a cluster of 6–12 daughter bulbs in July. They want a sunny well-drained bed with low nitrogen (rich soil makes leaves not bulbs). Plant 15 cm apart with the tip just showing above the soil; allium leaf miner is the main pest now widespread across the UK, so net from March onwards. Lift when the foliage yellows and topples; cure in the sun for two weeks before storing in mesh bags. Shallots keep 8–10 months — well into the following spring. Banana / Echalion shallots (Longor, Pikant) give long elegant bulbs; round shallots (Golden Gourmet, Red Sun) give heavier yields.

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