Shallots . They ’re like the hush-hush superheroes of the Allium cepa universe . Smaller , odoriferous , and manner less fast-growing than their bigger cousins , they ’re the still , refined flavor advance your preparation did n’t know it necessitate . Imagine if an onion and garlic had a sister , but it ’s just a short more genteel about it .

These little guy impart a elusive , meek relish that makes anything from pasta to salads feel like a gourmet dish . They ’re also compact with antioxidants , so you ’re not just eating something delectable — you’re doing your physical structure a party favour .

shallot thrive in well - drained stain , and unlike onions , they ’re a bit busy about the temperature — nothing too hot or too cold for these diva . But once they ’ve settled in , they ’re pretty low maintenance . Just irrigate them , let them bask in the sun , and they ’ll reward you with tasty bulbs after a few month .

As for the plant itself ? Gorgeous . With its long , svelte leafage and soft purple blooms , it ’s basically the leafy counterpart to that understated , effortlessly coolheaded friend who just beget it . Perfect for sum up a minuscule sophistication to your garden , and your plate .

How to Grow Shallots

Growing shallots can be a rewarding horticulture experience . Below a step - by - footprint guide to help you through the process .

Selecting the Right Shallots

Preparing the Soil

Planting Shallots

Growing Shallots

Harvesting Shallots

Storing Shallots

Tips

Shallots Growing Zone

Shallots are a hardy , cool - season veggie that can be grown in a variety of USDA Hardiness Zones , typically run from Zones 3 to 10 . Here ’s a dislocation of the zone :

Growing Shallots FAQ

Shallots are a type of bulb vegetable closely relate to Allium cepa , garlic , and leeks . They have a milder , sweeter flavor than onions and are often used in gourmet cooking .

Shallots are normally grown from sets ( pocket-size bulbs ) . Plant each adjust about 1 inch deeply with the pointed end face up up , spaced about 6 - 8 inches apart , in dustup 12 inch apart .

get the seed indoors about 8 - 10 weeks before the last expected frost . Sow the seed in a seed tray filled with well - drain source starting mix , covering them light with soil . Keep the soil moist and place the tray in a warm , sunny location or under grow lights . Once the seedlings are 4 - 6 inch improbable and the threat of Robert Lee Frost has go across , transplant them outdoors , spacing the seedlings about 6 in apart in run-in that are 12 inch apart .

Shallots can be grown in can , provided they have enough depth for the roots and proper drain . prefer a container at least 6 - 8 inches mysterious and flora as you would in the priming .

set out by choose shallot bulbs with visible roots at the bottom . localize the bulb in a shallow container , with the stem side facing down , and fill the container with just enough water to cover the stem , leaving the top part of the bulbs exposed to aviation . Change the water every few days . Within a few days , green shoot will begin to emerge from the top of the bulbs .

shallot are typically planted in the downfall or early spring , depending on your climate . In warmer part , planting in the fall allows them to establish roots before wintertime . In frigid areas , other spring planting is recommended .

Shallots are quick to harvest when the tops begin to yellow and precipitate over , usually about 90 - 120 daytime after planting . The bulbs should be unfaltering and amply developed .