Can You Grow Shallots from Supermarket Bulbs? Complete UK Guide

Can you grow shallots from supermarket bulbs? The short answer is yes, some shop-bought shallots can sprout and grow, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for planting on your allotment.

If you’ve ever bought a bag of shallots from Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons or another supermarket, you might have wondered whether you could plant a few instead of eating them.

After all, shallots look very similar to the sets sold in garden centres.

They have papery skins, a pointed top and a flat root-producing base.

And sometimes, if you leave them in the kitchen for long enough, they even begin developing green shoots.

So surely you can just put them into the soil and grow more shallots?

Well, it’s certainly possible to experiment.

A sound shallot bulb may still contain living tissue capable of producing roots and leaves.

However, not every supermarket shallot will grow successfully, and there are several important things to understand before planting them in your vegetable garden.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I love growing onions, garlic and shallots on the allotment.

And I completely understand why gardeners might want to save money by planting vegetables they’ve already bought for cooking.

It’s always exciting to see whether something from the kitchen can be grown into another crop.

But when it comes to shallots, I think it’s important to distinguish between a fun gardening experiment and a reliable planting method.

Shop-bought shallots are usually selected and handled for eating rather than growing.

You may not know their exact variety, their recommended planting season or whether they’ve experienced conditions that could affect sprouting.

More importantly, planting bulbs of uncertain plant-health status can introduce risks to your growing soil.

And when you’re looking after an allotment for years, protecting your soil from serious allium diseases is worth taking seriously.

In this guide, I’ll explain whether supermarket shallots will grow, how they differ from proper planting sets, what happens when they sprout and whether you can grow banana shallots bought from the supermarket.

I’ll also show you how to carry out a small experiment in a separate pot, explain the risks and help you decide whether it’s worth doing.

Let’s find out what really happens when you try growing shallots from the supermarket.

Can You Plant Shallots Bought from the Supermarket?

Yes, a healthy supermarket shallot may be capable of producing roots and leaves when planted.

Shallots are living bulbs, and some will remain capable of growing even after being harvested and stored.

However, successful sprouting isn’t guaranteed.

Why Can Supermarket Shallots Grow?

A shallot bulb contains stored energy and living growing tissue.

Under favourable conditions, the bulb may break dormancy and begin producing new growth.

Roots emerge from the basal plate at the bottom.

Leaves develop from the growing point towards the top.

Will Every Supermarket Shallot Grow?

No.

Some bulbs may have been stored for too long, damaged or exposed to conditions that reduce their ability to grow.

Others may start growing but fail to develop a worthwhile harvest.

Will They Produce New Shallot Bulbs?

Possibly.

Traditional multiplying shallots can divide to produce several bulbs.

However, some elongated supermarket shallot types behave differently and may not produce a cluster in the way gardeners expect.

Should You Plant Them on an Established Allotment?

For your main growing beds, I’d recommend using suitable planting sets from a reputable gardening supplier instead.

Supermarket shallots are better regarded as an experiment than a dependable source of planting material.

What’s the Difference Between Supermarket Shallots and Shallot Sets?

At first glance, supermarket shallots and garden-centre sets can look almost identical.

However, they’re sold for different purposes.

Supermarket Shallots

Supermarket shallots are grown, harvested, graded and sold primarily for consumption.

The label may tell you where they were grown and how much they weigh.

But it may not tell you the exact cultivar.

Shallot Sets

Shallot sets are small bulbs supplied specifically for planting.

They are generally sold with growing instructions, a variety name and a recommended planting period.

Are Shallot Sets Immature Bulbs?

Yes.

Garden shallot sets are commonly described as immature bulbs grown for replanting.

Are Supermarket Shallots Fully Mature?

They are generally sold as edible harvested bulbs.

Their size, age and post-harvest handling may be different from commercial sets.

Which Gives Better Results?

Named planting sets normally offer a more predictable growing experience.

You know what you’re planting and can choose varieties suitable for your local conditions.

Gardening with Ben tip: If you’re planning an entire bed of shallots, don’t risk the whole harvest by planting unidentified supermarket bulbs. A small experiment is one thing, but proper planting sets are the better option for a productive allotment.

Can You Grow Shallots from Tesco?

You may be able to grow shallots bought for eating at Tesco, but their success depends on the bulbs.

The supermarket name itself doesn’t determine whether a shallot will grow.

The important factors are the variety, bulb condition, storage history and growing conditions.

What About Tesco Shallot Sets?

Some retailers, including Tesco’s online marketplace, also offer purpose-sold shallot sets from gardening suppliers.

These should not be confused with the fresh shallots sold in the food aisle.

Can You Grow Shallots from Aldi?

Some fresh shallots may sprout, but they’re not sold specifically as planting stock.

Can You Grow Shallots from Lidl?

Again, some bulbs may grow, but results are uncertain.

Can You Grow Morrisons Shallots?

It’s biologically possible for viable bulbs to sprout, but planting edible supermarket shallots carries the same uncertainties.

Are Organic Supermarket Shallots Better?

An organic label doesn’t guarantee that the bulbs will sprout, suit UK planting conditions or be free of plant pests and diseases.

Organic food production and plant-health suitability for propagation are separate matters.

Does the Country of Origin Matter?

It can.

A cultivar grown commercially in another country may not necessarily perform as expected when planted outdoors in Yorkshire or elsewhere in the UK.

Why Might Supermarket Shallots Fail to Grow?

There are several reasons why a shop-bought shallot might not establish successfully.

1. The Bulb Is No Longer Viable

A bulb that has deteriorated internally may fail to produce new roots or shoots.

2. It Has Been Stored for a Long Time

Extended storage can affect the condition and remaining reserves of a shallot.

3. The Variety Is Unknown

Without a variety name, you don’t know the ideal planting season or how the bulb should develop.

4. It May Be Unsuitable for Winter Planting

Some types aren’t ideal for overwintering in cold, wet UK soil.

5. The Bulb Has Been Damaged

Bruising, cuts and rot can reduce the chance of healthy growth.

6. Storage and Post-Harvest Treatments Are Uncertain

Some commercial produce undergoes storage or post-harvest management intended to preserve eating quality.

You shouldn’t assume any particular supermarket shallot has been treated with a sprout suppressant, but you also shouldn’t assume it has been prepared for replanting.

7. The Soil Is Too Wet

Waterlogging is a common problem for planted allium bulbs.

8. The Bulb May Carry Plant-Health Problems

Apparently sound bulbs can still present plant-health concerns, which is one reason to prefer planting stock intended for propagation.

Can Sprouted Supermarket Shallots Be Planted?

Yes, a sprouted shallot is showing that at least part of the bulb remains alive.

You may be tempted to plant it and see what happens.

However, a sprout is not proof that the bulb is free from disease or that it will produce a useful harvest.

What Does a Green Shoot Mean?

It means the growing point has begun producing leaves.

Does That Guarantee Root Growth?

Not necessarily.

Healthy roots still need to develop.

Should You Remove the Green Shoot?

No.

Avoid damaging the growing point.

Can You Cut the Bulb in Half?

I wouldn’t recommend cutting an unknown supermarket shallot into sections for planting.

It increases exposed surfaces and can encourage decay.

For a simple experiment, use one whole, sound bulb.

Can You Plant a Shallot That’s Already Soft?

No.

If a bulb is soft, mouldy or decaying, don’t plant it.

Dispose of it appropriately rather than introducing it into your growing soil.

Are Supermarket Shallots Safe to Plant on an Allotment?

This is the most important consideration.

Shop-bought shallots are intended as food, not necessarily as propagating material.

You may not know their plant-health history.

Why Does Plant Health Matter?

Shallots belong to the allium family, alongside onions, garlic and leeks.

Several serious pests and diseases can affect all these crops.

What Is Onion White Rot?

Onion white rot is a serious fungal disease caused by Stromatinia cepivora, formerly known as Sclerotium cepivorum.

It affects shallots and other alliums.

Symptoms can include yellowing leaves, wilting plants, rotting roots and white fungal growth around the base of infected bulbs.

Why Is Onion White Rot Such a Problem?

The fungus can survive in soil for many years.

That means introducing it into an allotment can create long-lasting growing problems.

Does Every Supermarket Shallot Carry White Rot?

No.

You shouldn’t assume that supermarket shallots are infected.

However, their suitability and plant-health status as planting material may be unknown.

Is There a Way to Guarantee a Bulb Is Safe?

You cannot reliably establish freedom from every possible disease simply by looking at a bulb.

What About Washing the Shallot?

Washing doesn’t provide a reliable method for eliminating internal or hidden plant pathogens.

What Would I Recommend?

Use properly sourced planting stock for your permanent growing beds.

If you’re curious about supermarket shallots, keep the experiment separate from the allotment soil.

How to Experiment with Growing Supermarket Shallots in a Pot

If you want to see whether a shop-bought shallot can sprout, a separate container is a more sensible place for a small trial than a valuable allotment bed.

This doesn’t eliminate every plant-health risk, but it limits direct contact with your established vegetable-growing soil.

Step 1: Choose One Shallot

Select a firm bulb without visible mould, softness or damage.

Don’t use anything that’s already rotting.

Step 2: Identify the Type

Look at whether it’s rounded or elongated.

If the variety is unknown, label it simply as a supermarket shallot.

Step 3: Choose a Separate Container

Use a clean pot with drainage holes.

A container approximately 30 cm wide and deep is suitable for a small trial.

Step 4: Use Fresh Growing Medium

Choose suitable peat-free soil-based potting compost.

Avoid taking soil from established allium beds for the experiment.

Step 5: Position the Bulb

Place the root-producing basal plate downwards and the pointed end upwards.

Step 6: Plant Shallowly

Set it so the pointed tip is just visible at the compost surface.

Step 7: Firm the Compost

Gently press around the bulb to keep it stable.

Step 8: Water Carefully

Water sufficiently to settle the compost, allowing excess moisture to drain away.

Step 9: Keep the Pot Separate

Position it away from established allium crops and avoid sharing potentially contaminated runoff, soil or tools.

Step 10: Choose a Sunny Position

Shallots need plenty of light to grow well.

Step 11: Monitor for Growth

Watch for roots, green shoots and healthy leaves.

Step 12: Inspect for Problems

If the plant develops suspicious decay, unusual wilting or signs of serious disease, don’t move it into the allotment.

Step 13: Record the Results

Keep track of when you planted the bulb and whether it produces new growth.

Step 14: Don’t Reuse Suspect Compost

If a plant fails with signs of disease, avoid transferring that compost to healthy vegetable beds.

Step 15: Compare with Proper Shallot Sets

For a useful gardening experiment, grow a named shallot set in a separate clean pot under comparable conditions.

That gives you a better comparison than simply seeing whether a shop-bought bulb produces a sprout.

Gardening with Ben tip: I think comparing one supermarket shallot with a properly bought shallot set would make an interesting gardening video. But I’d keep it separate from the main allotment beds and explain why plant health matters.

Can You Grow Banana Shallots from the Supermarket?

Some supermarket shallots are long and narrow.

These are often described as banana shallots or echalion shallots.

What Are Banana Shallots?

They’re elongated allium bulbs with a mild, aromatic flavour.

Are They the Same as Traditional Round Shallots?

Not exactly.

Different elongated cultivars can have different growing habits.

Will One Banana Shallot Produce Several Bulbs?

It depends on the cultivar.

Traditional multiplying banana shallots, such as ‘Longor’, can produce clusters from sets.

However, some seed-grown elongated shallots behave more like ordinary bulb onions and produce one principal bulb per plant.

Can You Identify a Banana Shallot Variety by Looking at It?

Not reliably.

Several cultivars can look similar.

Is a Supermarket Echalion Shallot Worth Planting?

It might make an interesting isolated experiment, but you shouldn’t assume it will multiply or be suitable for autumn planting.

What’s the Better Alternative?

If you want an elongated multiplying shallot, consider named ‘Longor’ planting sets.

If you want to grow elongated shallots from seed, ‘Zebrune’ is another interesting option.

When Should You Plant Supermarket Shallots in the UK?

Because the cultivar is usually unknown, there isn’t a reliable planting calendar for every edible supermarket shallot.

This is one of the main disadvantages of using supermarket produce as planting material.

Can You Plant Them in September?

Some actual shallot varieties are suitable for autumn planting.

However, you can’t assume an unidentified supermarket shallot has the same cold tolerance.

Can You Plant Them in October?

You might try a small isolated pot experiment, but that doesn’t make October the correct planting month for an unknown variety.

What About November and December?

Winter planting carries extra risks, especially if soil or compost remains cold and wet.

Is March Better?

March is a standard planting month for many properly sourced spring shallot sets.

It’s a more suitable time for experimenting with active growth than planting unknown bulbs into winter ground.

Can You Plant Them in April?

Growing conditions may be suitable, although the unknown variety and storage history remain uncertainties.

What’s My Recommendation?

If you want a dependable crop, buy sets with clear seasonal planting instructions.

Will Supermarket Shallots Multiply into Clusters?

Sometimes, depending on their type.

Traditional multiplying shallots are capable of producing several bulbs from one set.

But you shouldn’t expect every supermarket shallot to behave that way.

What Determines Multiplication?

The cultivar and bulb-growing habit are important.

Does Bulb Size Matter?

The size and condition of the planted bulb can influence initial growth.

However, a large supermarket shallot doesn’t necessarily guarantee a large harvest.

What If It Produces Only Leaves?

A bulb may sprout without going on to produce a worthwhile new crop.

What If It Flowers?

Premature flowering, or bolting, can reduce the quality and storage life of the harvested bulbs.

Is One Bulb Guaranteed to Produce Five or Six?

No.

Any multiplication figure should be treated as variety-dependent, not a guarantee.

Can You Regrow Shallots in Water?

A shallot bulb may produce roots and green shoots when its base is kept in contact with water under suitable conditions.

However, growing shoots in water isn’t the same as producing mature storage shallot bulbs.

Can You Put a Shallot in a Glass?

You may be able to observe root and shoot growth.

Will It Produce More Shallots?

Don’t expect a substantial harvest of mature bulbs from a simple glass of water.

What Are the Risks?

The bulb may decay if left excessively wet.

Is Water Growing Better Than Compost?

Not for an ordinary home-growing trial intended to produce mature bulbs.

Suitable, well-drained growing medium is more practical.

Can You Eat the Green Shoots?

Leaves of correctly identified, healthy shallots are edible, but only consume clean produce that hasn’t been affected by suspected disease or inappropriate treatments.

For a reliable supply of edible green shoots, use known, suitable planting material.

Can You Plant Supermarket Shallots That Have Gone Soft?

No.

Softness can indicate deterioration.

What About Mould?

Avoid planting mouldy bulbs.

What If the Outer Skin Is Peeling?

Dry papery skins are normal, but that isn’t the same as soft, wet decay.

What If There Are Roots Showing?

Roots can indicate growth potential, but don’t establish that a bulb is free from disease.

What If There Are Black Marks?

Some marks may be superficial, but if you’re unsure about the bulb’s health, don’t use it as planting material.

Should You Plant Rotten Kitchen Scraps?

No.

Rotten allium material shouldn’t be used to start a growing crop.

Can You Grow Shallots from Kitchen Scraps?

It depends on what you mean by scraps.

What About a Whole Spare Shallot?

A whole viable bulb may sprout.

Can You Plant Only the Root End?

It’s not a reliable way to produce a new mature shallot crop.

A fragment may lack sufficient living growing tissue or reserves.

Can You Plant the Papery Skin?

No.

Dry outer skin alone won’t develop into a new shallot plant.

Can You Plant a Peeled Shallot?

An intact peeled bulb may still contain living growing tissue, but removing its protective skin makes it more vulnerable to damage and decay.

Is Regrowing Shallots a Good Money-Saving Method?

For a reliable harvest, buying suitable sets or sowing seed is usually the better investment.

Why Are My Supermarket Shallots Not Sprouting?

Several things could explain the problem.

1. They’re Still Dormant

Bulbs naturally experience periods of dormancy.

2. The Bulb Has Deteriorated

Internally damaged material may fail.

3. The Growing Conditions Are Too Cold

Cold conditions can slow root and leaf development.

4. The Compost Is Too Wet

Waterlogging may damage the bulb.

5. The Compost Is Too Dry

Roots need suitable moisture.

6. The Variety Is Unsuitable

The cultivar may not be well suited to the growing season.

7. Storage History Is Unknown

The bulb may have experienced extended storage or handling conditions that affect further growth.

Should You Keep Digging It Up to Check?

No.

Repeated disturbance can damage emerging roots.

If nothing happens after a reasonable period and the bulb begins to deteriorate, end the experiment.

Why Are My Supermarket Shallots Growing Leaves but No Bulbs?

Green leaves indicate growth, but they don’t guarantee a mature harvest.

The Variety May Not Be a Multiplying Type

Some elongated shallots develop differently from traditional sets.

Planting Time Might Be Unsuitable

Bulb development is affected by seasonal daylight.

The Plant May Be Stressed

Poor drainage, unsuitable moisture or limited light can affect development.

The Growing Season Might Be Too Short

A bulb planted late may not develop as expected before growth naturally slows.

Could More Fertiliser Fix It?

Not necessarily.

Excessive feeding won’t correct the wrong variety, poor growing conditions or unsuitable timing.

Are Proper Shallot Sets Worth Buying?

In most situations, yes.

They’re a more reliable starting point for a productive UK allotment.

You Can Choose Named Varieties

For example:

• ‘Longor’.
• ‘Matador’.
• ‘Golden Gourmet’.
• ‘Red Sun’.
• ‘Jermor’.

You Can Check the Planting Dates

A garden supplier should tell you whether the sets are intended for spring or autumn.

You Can Plan Your Harvest

Named varieties often have information about bulb shape, flavour, maturity and keeping qualities.

You Know Their Intended Use

Unlike supermarket cooking bulbs, proper sets are produced and marketed for planting.

Does This Eliminate All Disease Risk?

No.

No planting material can be assumed completely risk-free.

But reputable, traceable planting stock is a sensible choice.

Is Seed Another Alternative?

Yes.

Certain shallots, such as ‘Zebrune’, can be grown from true seed.

Seed-grown plants typically produce one bulb per seedling rather than traditional multiplying clusters.

How to Plant Proper Shallot Sets Instead

If you’re looking for a dependable harvest, here’s the standard planting method.

Step 1: Choose the Variety

Select sets recommended for your intended season.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Choose fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

Step 3: Remove Weeds

Clear the planting area.

Step 4: Mark the Rows

Allow approximately 25–30 cm between rows.

Step 5: Space the Sets

Place traditional shallot sets approximately 15–20 cm apart.

Step 6: Identify the Top

The pointed end faces upwards.

Step 7: Plant Shallowly

Leave the pointed tip just visible at the surface.

Step 8: Firm the Soil

Press gently around each set.

Step 9: Water Appropriately

Water in if needed, avoiding saturated ground.

Step 10: Label the Crop

Record the variety and planting date.

Step 11: Check for Bird Disturbance

Birds sometimes lift recently planted sets.

Step 12: Keep the Bed Weed-Free

Remove weeds before they compete with the crop.

Step 13: Monitor Moisture

Established shallots generally need additional water mainly during prolonged dry spells.

Step 14: Harvest When Mature

Look for naturally yellowing and falling foliage during summer.

Step 15: Cure Before Storage

Dry healthy bulbs thoroughly before storing.

This simple method is much more predictable than planting unidentified supermarket bulbs.

When Will Supermarket-Grown Shallots Be Ready to Harvest?

If your experiment produces a successful crop, the harvest date will depend on the cultivar and planting time.

When Are Normal Shallots Harvested?

In the UK, many shallot varieties mature during July or August.

Will Supermarket Shallots Follow the Same Schedule?

Not necessarily.

An unknown type may behave differently.

What Are the Signs of Maturity?

Yellowing leaves.

Foliage falling over.

Bulbs becoming well developed.

Outer skins beginning to dry.

How Do You Harvest?

Use a hand fork to loosen the growing medium and lift the plant gently.

Should You Keep the Harvest for Planting Again?

I’d avoid using bulbs from an unknown supermarket source as a continuing source of planting material for valuable allotment beds.

For future reliable crops, use appropriate, traceable sets or seed.

Ten Common Mistakes When Planting Supermarket Shallots

1. Assuming Every Shallot Will Grow

Some bulbs may no longer be viable.

2. Assuming Every Variety Multiplies

Some elongated types don’t behave like traditional multiplying shallots.

3. Planting Unknown Bulbs Across an Entire Allotment Bed

This adds unnecessary uncertainty and potential biosecurity risks.

4. Ignoring Plant Health

A healthy-looking bulb isn’t a guarantee that it carries no pests or pathogens.

5. Planting in Waterlogged Soil

Prolonged wetness can cause bulbs to deteriorate.

6. Planting Too Deeply

Shallot bulbs are generally planted shallowly, with the pointed tip showing.

7. Planting Too Closely

Traditional multiplying shallots need room for their clusters.

8. Assuming Sprouting Guarantees a Harvest

Leaves may develop without a satisfactory bulb crop.

9. Overfeeding to Compensate for Poor Growth

More fertiliser won’t correct unsuitable variety or planting conditions.

10. Moving Suspect Compost into Healthy Beds

Keep any potentially diseased growing medium away from your established allium-growing areas.

Supermarket Shallot Experiment: UK Month-by-Month Guide

Month	Recommended approach
January	Avoid relying on unknown bulbs for outdoor winter planting.
February	Consider a small separate container trial in suitable conditions.
March	A practical month for comparing a supermarket bulb with a proper spring set.
April	Continue observing growth and compare the two plants.
May	Monitor foliage, moisture and any signs of disease.
June	Observe bulb development without excessive feeding.
July	Check plants for maturity.
August	Harvest any successful mature bulbs.
September	Choose named autumn-planting sets for reliable crops.
October	Plant reputable autumn sets; keep shop-bought experiments separate.
November	Monitor overwintering sets and drainage.
December	Review experiment results and plan next year’s planting.

The comparison schedule is illustrative, not a guarantee that an unknown supermarket cultivar will mature at the same time as a named garden variety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Supermarket Shallots

Can you grow shallots from supermarket bulbs?

Yes, some viable supermarket shallots can sprout and grow, but success is uncertain and they aren’t recommended as the main source of allotment planting stock.

Can you plant shallots from Tesco?

Some fresh Tesco shallots may grow, but their suitability for planting is uncertain. Tesco also offers some purpose-sold shallot sets through gardening suppliers.

Can you grow Aldi shallots?

Some bulbs may sprout, but they aren’t necessarily intended for planting.

Can you plant Lidl shallots?

It’s possible for viable bulbs to grow, but variety and plant-health information may be unavailable.

Can you grow shallots from Morrisons?

A healthy bulb may sprout, but purpose-sold planting sets are more reliable.

Are supermarket shallots the same as sets?

No. Supermarket shallots are usually marketed for food, while sets are supplied specifically for planting.

Are organic supermarket shallots better for planting?

An organic label doesn’t establish whether a shallot is suitable or safe for propagation.

Do supermarket shallots multiply?

Some traditional multiplying types might, but other varieties may produce only one main bulb.

Can you grow banana shallots from supermarkets?

Some may sprout, but you generally won’t know their precise variety or growing habit.

Will supermarket shallots produce green shoots?

Some will, if they remain viable and conditions are suitable.

Can you plant a shallot that’s already sprouting?

Yes, a sprouting bulb may continue growing, but the sprout doesn’t guarantee a healthy mature crop.

Can you plant shallots that have gone soft?

Avoid planting soft, mouldy or rotting bulbs.

Can you plant a peeled shallot?

An intact peeled bulb may still be alive, but removing its protective skins increases the risk of damage and decay.

Can you grow shallots from scraps?

A whole viable bulb may grow, but skins and small root-end fragments aren’t reliable for producing mature bulbs.

Can you grow shallots in water?

A bulb may produce roots or leaves in water, but this isn’t a reliable method for producing mature storage bulbs.

Why won’t my supermarket shallots sprout?

Possible reasons include dormancy, storage history, poor bulb condition or unsuitable growing conditions.

Are supermarket shallots treated to stop sprouting?

Post-harvest handling varies, and you shouldn’t assume that every supermarket shallot has received a sprout-suppressing treatment.

Can supermarket shallots carry diseases?

Plant-health risks may be uncertain. Supermarket bulbs aren’t necessarily produced or assessed for propagation.

What is onion white rot?

A serious fungal disease affecting alliums that can persist in soil for many years.

Should you plant supermarket shallots in an allotment?

I’d recommend reputable planting sets for established allotment beds rather than unidentified food bulbs.

Can you experiment in a pot?

Yes, using a clean separate container is a more controlled way to observe growth, though it doesn’t eliminate all risks.

How deep do you plant a shallot bulb?

Normally with the pointed tip just showing at the soil surface.

How far apart do you plant shallots?

Traditional sets are normally planted approximately 15–20 cm apart with 25–30 cm between rows.

When should you plant shop-bought shallots?

Because the variety is unknown, there isn’t a dependable planting date. Spring is more practical for a small trial than forcing unknown bulbs into wet winter ground.

Will supermarket shallots grow in raised beds?

Some might, but I wouldn’t introduce unidentified food bulbs into valuable established raised-bed soil.

Are planting sets expensive?

Prices vary, but named sets generally offer more predictable results than experimenting with food bulbs.

Can you grow shallots from seed instead?

Yes. Some varieties, including ‘Zebrune’, can be grown from true seed.

Which shallot varieties are worth buying for planting?

‘Longor’, ‘Matador’, ‘Red Sun’ and ‘Golden Gourmet’ are among the varieties worth considering, depending on your planting season.

When will shallots be ready to harvest?

Many properly grown varieties mature during summer, commonly July or August.

Can you save supermarket-grown shallots for next year?

It’s biologically possible with some types, but I wouldn’t recommend propagating unknown stock repeatedly in valuable allotment beds.

Is growing supermarket shallots worth trying?

It can be an interesting small experiment, but for reliable crops and sensible allotment biosecurity, proper planting sets are preferable.

Final Thoughts: Should You Plant Supermarket Shallots?

So, can you grow shallots from supermarket bulbs?

Yes, it’s possible, but I’d recommend proper shallot sets if you want a reliable harvest.

There’s nothing particularly surprising about a shallot bulb producing roots and leaves.

After all, shallots are living bulbs, and some remain capable of growing after being harvested and stored.

However, simply producing a green shoot isn’t the same as producing a healthy, mature crop of new shallots.

You may not know the variety.

You may not know whether it’s suitable for autumn planting.

You may not know whether it will multiply into several bulbs.

And you won’t necessarily have the same planting-stock information that comes with shallot sets sold for gardening.

More importantly, plant health matters.

When you’re looking after an allotment for years, protecting your soil against serious allium diseases is far more important than saving a small amount of money on planting sets.

If you’re curious, why not try one supermarket shallot in a clean, separate pot?

You could compare it with a proper named set and see how the two plants grow.

That would make a brilliant gardening experiment and an interesting video.

But for your main vegetable beds, I’d stick with named varieties supplied for planting.

Choose suitable sets, plant them during the recommended season, give them plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil, and allow enough room for the bulbs to develop.

Then, when summer arrives, you’ll have a much better chance of harvesting a fantastic crop of home-grown shallots.

And that, for me, is what growing your own vegetables is all about.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!