Shallot
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Shallots are a clustering, small-bulbed member of the onion family grown in gardens. They form clusters of small bulbs and are easy to grow from sets.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; reduce near harvest
- Difficulty
- Easy
Got a plant like this?
Identify any plant from a photo, free.
Overview
The shallot is a clustering form of onion (Allium cepa), grown as a garden allium for its small bulbs. Unlike a standard onion, one planted bulb multiplies into a cluster of several offsets.
Long cultivated worldwide, it is an easy, productive, and reliable plant in the vegetable garden.
How to identify it
A clumping allium forming clusters of small, tapered bulbs.
- Bulbs: Small, elongated to teardrop-shaped, growing in clusters; papery skin in coppery, golden, pink, or grey tones with purple-tinged flesh
- Leaves: Slender, hollow, blue-green tubular foliage like a small onion or scallion
- Flowers: Round, lilac to pale-purple umbels if allowed to bolt
- Habit: Low clumping plant 8-18 in tall
- Aroma: Distinct onion smell when cut
Care & growing
Light: Full sun.
Water: Moderate, even watering during growth; reduce as the tops yellow and bulbs mature.
Soil: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0-7.0.
Temperature: Cool-season grower; bulbs form best in mild conditions and lengthening days.
Feeding: Light balanced feeding early; stop feeding once bulbs swell.
Propagation: Most easily grown from "sets" (offset bulbs) planted in spring or autumn; each set multiplies into a cluster. Can also be grown from seed.
Habitat & origin
Shallots are an ancient cultivated onion type, long associated with the Middle East and Central Asia, and named after the ancient city of Ascalon.
They grow well across temperate and subtropical regions and are cultivated widely from Europe to Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How are shallots different from onions?
Shallots grow in clusters of several small bulbs rather than one large bulb. Botanically they are a variety of the same species, Allium cepa.
How do I plant shallots?
Plant individual sets (offset bulbs) pointed-end-up just below the soil surface, spaced several inches apart, in spring or autumn. Each set multiplies into a cluster of new bulbs.
When are the bulbs mature?
The clusters mature when the foliage yellows and falls over, usually mid to late summer. Lift the clusters and cure them in a dry, airy spot before storing.
Can I grow shallots from grocery-store bulbs?
Yes, healthy untreated grocery shallots can be planted and will multiply, though dedicated sets are more reliable and disease-free.
Shallot guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Shallot.
