How to Plant Shallot Sets – Depth, Spacing and Care: Complete UK Guide

Learning how to plant shallot sets correctly is one of the easiest ways to produce a fantastic harvest of home-grown shallots on your allotment or in your garden.

Shallots are wonderful vegetables to grow, particularly if you already enjoy planting onions and garlic.

They’re relatively easy to look after, don’t need enormous amounts of space and are incredibly useful in the kitchen.

But one of the best things about traditional shallots is the way they multiply.

You plant one small shallot set into the soil, and with the right growing conditions, that set can eventually develop into a cluster of several new shallot bulbs.

That’s a satisfying return from something so small!

Here at Gardening with Ben, I enjoy planting shallots, autumn onions and garlic on the allotment.

They’re brilliant crops because they can help keep the vegetable beds productive when other vegetables are finishing.

And when you’re planting sets, there are a few important things to remember.

How deep should shallots be planted?

Which way up do they go?

How much space should you leave between them?

Can they be planted in October, or should you wait until March?

And once you’ve planted them, should you water and feed them straight away?

These are the questions we’re going to answer.

Although shallots are easy to grow, incorrect planting depth, overcrowding and poor drainage can all cause problems.

Plant them too deeply in heavy soil, and the sets may struggle.

Put them too close together, and the developing clusters won’t have enough room.

And if you plant varieties intended for spring into waterlogged winter soil, you might lose the crop before it has properly established.

In this complete UK guide, I’ll take you through how to plant shallot sets step by step, including soil preparation, planting depth, spacing, early watering and winter care.

We’ll also look at raised beds, containers, planting alongside onions and garlic, and how to recognise common problems.

Whether you’re planting your first five shallots or an entire allotment bed, this guide will help you get them off to the best possible start.

What Are Shallot Sets?

Shallot sets are small, immature shallot bulbs sold specifically for planting.

They look a little like miniature onions.

Depending on the variety, they may be round, oval, teardrop-shaped or elongated.

Their outer skins can be golden, copper-coloured or reddish-purple.

Unlike true botanical seeds, shallot sets are already small bulbs containing stored energy.

When you plant a healthy set into suitable soil, roots begin growing from its base.

Green leaves emerge from the pointed end.

As the plant matures, traditional multiplying varieties divide to form a cluster of new bulbs.

Do You Plant One Shallot Set or a Whole Cluster?

You normally plant individual sets.

Don’t plant several sets pressed together unless the supplier specifically recommends a different method.

Each traditional set needs room to multiply.

How Many Shallots Grow from One Set?

The number depends on the variety and growing conditions.

Some traditional varieties can produce several new shallots from one planted set.

For example, ‘Longor’ is known for producing clusters of elongated bulbs.

However, not every shallot set produces the same number of new bulbs.

Are Shallot Sets Easier Than Shallot Seeds?

For many beginners, yes.

Sets are quicker and easier to establish because they’re already small bulbs.

Growing from seed is also possible, but seedlings need more attention during their early stages.

When Should You Plant Shallot Sets in the UK?

Shallot sets are commonly planted during early to mid-spring.

However, some varieties are also suitable for autumn or winter planting.

Planting Shallots in February

Late winter can be suitable for certain sets when the soil is workable.

Avoid planting into frozen or saturated ground.

Planting Shallots in March

March is one of the main planting months for spring shallot sets.

The days are getting longer, and the soil gradually begins warming.

Planting Shallots in April

April is another excellent month for many spring varieties.

Plant promptly according to the supplier’s recommendations.

Planting Shallots in September

Some specially selected autumn varieties can be planted from September.

Check the packet before buying.

Planting Shallots in October

October is a good month for planting varieties specifically recommended for autumn.

It’s particularly useful if you’re already planting garlic and overwintering onions.

Planting Shallots in November

Some autumn and winter varieties can be planted during November.

However, soil drainage becomes increasingly important.

Can You Plant Shallots in December?

Certain varieties can be planted during winter if soil conditions are suitable.

But this isn’t a recommendation for every variety.

Gardening with Ben tip: Always check the planting dates supplied with your shallot sets. Just because they’re shallots doesn’t mean every variety can be planted during autumn.

Which Shallot Sets Should You Choose?

Starting with healthy planting material is important.

A poor-quality set can struggle even if you plant it correctly.

Look for Firm Bulbs

Healthy sets should feel firm.

Avoid anything soft or rotten.

Check the Outer Skins

Dry, papery skins are normal.

However, visible mould or wet decay is a warning sign.

Look at the Root Base

The flatter base should be reasonably sound.

Check for Damage

Avoid badly bruised or cut sets.

Choose a Named Variety

Named varieties help you understand their planting dates, shape, flavour and storage qualities.

Consider Heat-Treated Sets

Where available, heat-treated sets may help reduce the risk of premature flowering, known as bolting.

Can You Use Supermarket Shallots?

Some supermarket shallots may sprout, but they’re intended for eating rather than planting.

Their variety and plant-health history may be uncertain.

I’d recommend buying proper shallot sets from a reputable gardening supplier.

What Is the Best Soil for Planting Shallot Sets?

Shallots prefer fertile soil that drains freely.

They don’t like sitting in saturated ground for prolonged periods.

Do Shallots Like Rich Soil?

They benefit from fertile soil containing suitable organic matter.

However, excessive fertiliser doesn’t guarantee larger bulbs.

Can You Add Homemade Compost?

Yes.

Mature garden compost is useful for improving soil structure.

It can also help sandy soils retain moisture.

Should You Add Fresh Manure?

Avoid using fresh manure immediately before planting shallot sets.

Use properly well-rotted material if organic matter is needed.

Can You Plant Shallots in Clay Soil?

Yes, provided the soil drains adequately.

Heavy clay that stays waterlogged throughout winter can cause sets to rot.

What About Sandy Soil?

Shallots can grow in sandy soil, although it may dry out during warm weather.

Adding mature compost can help.

Do Shallots Need Full Sun?

Yes.

A sunny position generally encourages stronger leaves and better bulb development.

How to Prepare a Vegetable Bed for Shallot Sets

Before planting, it’s worth spending time preparing the bed properly.

Step 1: Clear Previous Crops

Remove finished vegetables and unwanted plant material.

Step 2: Remove Persistent Weeds

Look for bindweed, couch grass and other weeds that may become difficult to remove later.

Step 3: Check Drainage

After heavy rain, make sure water isn’t remaining on the surface for long periods.

Step 4: Avoid Working Wet Clay

Digging heavily saturated soil can damage its structure.

Wait until it’s workable.

Step 5: Add Mature Compost if Needed

Improve the soil appropriately.

Don’t overload an already fertile bed with unnecessary organic material.

Step 6: Rake the Surface

Create a relatively level planting area.

Step 7: Remove Large Stones

Clear anything that would prevent sets from sitting correctly.

Step 8: Mark Your Planting Rows

Use string or a measuring stick to keep the spacing consistent.

Now your bed is ready for planting.

How to Plant Shallot Sets – Step-by-Step Guide

This is the main planting method I recommend for traditional shallot sets grown outdoors in the UK.

Step 1: Check Your Planting Dates

Make sure the variety is suitable for the season.

Autumn and spring varieties don’t always have identical requirements.

Step 2: Select Healthy Sets

Choose firm shallot bulbs without obvious rot or mould.

Set aside anything badly damaged.

Step 3: Choose a Sunny Position

Find a location receiving plenty of daylight.

Step 4: Prepare the Soil

Ensure it’s fertile, weed-free and well drained.

Step 5: Mark the Rows

Use string to create straight rows.

Allow approximately 25–30 cm between rows.

Step 6: Measure Between Sets

Leave approximately 15–20 cm between individual shallot sets.

This provides room for traditional multiplying varieties to develop their bulb clusters.

Step 7: Identify the Pointed End

Look carefully at the bulb.

The pointed end is the top.

The flatter root-producing base is the bottom.

Step 8: Make a Shallow Hole

Use your fingers, a dibber or a small trowel.

The hole only needs to be deep enough to support the bulb correctly.

Step 9: Place the Set Pointed End Upwards

Position the shallot with the root-producing base facing down.

Step 10: Leave the Tip Showing

This is one of the most important steps.

Plant the shallot so the pointed tip remains just visible above the soil surface.

Don’t bury the entire set deeply.

Step 11: Firm the Soil

Gently press soil around the bulb to hold it securely.

Avoid heavy compaction.

Step 12: Repeat Along the Row

Continue planting at the measured spacing.

Step 13: Water In

Water after planting to settle the soil around the sets.

If you’re planting into already damp autumn soil, avoid further unnecessary watering.

Step 14: Label the Bed

Include the variety and planting date.

Step 15: Protect Against Birds

Birds sometimes pull newly planted sets from the ground.

Temporary horticultural fleece or securely fitted wildlife-safe netting can help until roots establish.

Step 16: Check After a Few Days

Make sure the sets remain in place.

If birds have disturbed any bulbs, gently replant sound sets.

Step 17: Remove Emerging Weeds

Keep the growing area clear of competition.

Step 18: Allow the Shallots to Establish

Once roots and leaves begin developing, avoid disturbing the growing bulbs unnecessarily.

Gardening with Ben tip: The three things I’d remember above everything else are: pointed end upwards, tip just showing, and 15–20 cm between sets.

How Deep Do You Plant Shallot Sets?

Plant shallot sets shallowly, with the pointed tips just visible at the soil surface.

This is different from planting ordinary garlic cloves, which are normally placed fully beneath the soil.

Why Do Shallots Need Shallow Planting?

Sets are already small bulbs.

They need secure contact with the soil for rooting without being buried unnecessarily deeply.

How Much of the Shallot Should Be Underground?

Most of the bulb should sit within the prepared soil.

The pointed tip should remain just visible.

The exact planting position varies slightly with the shape and size of the set.

What Happens if Shallots Are Planted Too Deeply?

They may take longer to emerge.

In heavy, wet soil, excessive depth can create unsuitable conditions.

What Happens if Sets Are Too Shallow?

They may not be secure.

Birds can pull them out.

The roots may struggle to establish if the base isn’t properly contacting the soil.

Should You Cover the Tips with Compost?

Avoid smothering the tips beneath thick compost or mulch.

Follow the supplier’s instructions if they give variety-specific guidance.

Which Way Up Do You Plant Shallots?

The pointed end goes upwards.

The flatter basal plate goes downwards.

Why Does It Matter?

Roots emerge from the base.

New leaves grow towards the surface from the top.

What if the Shallot Is Planted Upside Down?

It may still attempt to grow, but it has to redirect its growth.

Correct planting is the better approach.

What if You Can’t Tell Which End Is Which?

Look for the dried roots or flattened basal plate.

The opposite end usually tapers to a point.

How Far Apart Should Shallot Sets Be Planted?

Spacing is important because traditional shallots multiply.

One planted set may become several closely packed new bulbs.

A practical guide is:

Measurement	Recommended spacing
Between individual sets	15–20 cm
Between rows	25–30 cm
Growing position	Full sun
Planting depth	Pointed tip just showing

Why Do Shallots Need Space?

Each growing plant needs access to sunlight, moisture and nutrients.

Traditional varieties also need room to expand into clusters.

Can You Plant Shallots 10 cm Apart?

Closer spacing may be used in some intensive systems, but individual bulbs can be smaller.

For beginners growing traditional sets, I’d follow the standard 15–20 cm recommendation.

Is Wider Spacing Better?

It can help when you’re aiming for larger individual bulbs.

However, excessive spacing means you may use more ground than necessary.

What About Banana Shallots?

Check the variety.

Traditional multiplying banana shallots grown from sets need room for clusters.

Seed-grown elongated shallots can have different spacing requirements.

How Many Shallot Sets Fit in a Raised Bed?

Let’s use a raised bed measuring approximately 1.2 metres wide and 2.4 metres long.

If you leave around 30 cm between rows and 20 cm between sets, a practical layout could be three rows containing approximately 11 sets per row.

That gives roughly 33 shallot sets.

This is an illustrative layout rather than an exact maximum.

You can adjust the number depending on the bed dimensions, edge clearance and variety.

Could You Grow More?

Possibly, using a carefully planned grid layout.

But don’t overcrowd simply to increase the number of plants.

How Many Shallots Will You Harvest?

Traditional sets can produce several bulbs each.

However, the number and size of bulbs depend on the variety and growing conditions.

Don’t treat any advertised multiplication rate as a guaranteed harvest.

Planting Shallot Sets in Raised Beds

Raised beds are ideal for organised shallot planting.

They’re particularly useful where ordinary garden soil is heavy or poorly drained.

What Are the Benefits?

Raised beds can provide better accessibility, less compaction and improved soil management.

What Soil Should You Use?

Choose a fertile, free-draining growing medium with suitable mature organic matter.

Can You Plant Autumn Shallots in Raised Beds?

Yes, if the variety is suitable.

However, the raised bed still needs effective drainage.

Should You Plant in Rows or a Grid?

Both are possible.

For beginners, rows are particularly easy to measure and label.

Do Raised Beds Dry Out Faster?

They can.

Check moisture during spring, particularly in warm weather.

Can You Use a No-Dig Raised Bed?

Yes.

Plant sets into a suitable, mature surface layer without unnecessarily disturbing the soil.

How to Plant Shallot Sets in Pots

Shallots are also suitable for gardeners with patios, balconies and smaller growing spaces.

What Size Pot Should You Use?

Choose a container at least around 30 cm wide and deep.

Larger containers will accommodate more plants.

What Compost Is Best?

Use quality peat-free, soil-based potting compost.

Do Pots Need Drainage Holes?

Absolutely.

Good drainage is essential.

How Many Sets Can You Plant?

It depends on the container.

Allow the standard spacing where possible.

For a small pot, don’t try to squeeze in too many multiplying sets.

How Deep Should You Plant?

Use the same shallow planting method, leaving the pointed tip visible.

Where Should the Pot Go?

Place it in a sunny position.

Should It Stay Outdoors?

Suitable autumn-planted shallots can remain outdoors, but container drainage and exposure to severe weather need monitoring.

Should You Water Shallot Sets Straight After Planting?

The RHS recommends watering in newly planted sets.

However, this doesn’t mean soaking already saturated soil.

Spring Planting

Water after planting to settle soil around the sets.

Continue checking moisture as the plants establish.

Autumn Planting

If the soil is already adequately moist after rainfall, avoid adding unnecessary extra water.

Do Shallots Need Water Every Day?

No.

Outdoor shallots usually require little additional watering once established, apart from dry spells.

When Is More Water Useful?

During establishment and prolonged dry periods.

Can Overwatering Cause Rot?

Yes.

Waterlogged soil can damage roots and encourage decay.

Should You Water the Leaves?

It’s generally more useful to water the soil around the roots.

Should You Feed Shallot Sets After Planting?

Not automatically.

If you’ve already prepared fertile soil with mature compost, the crop may have adequate nutrients.

Is Onion and Garlic Feed Suitable?

Yes.

A suitable fertiliser formulated for allium crops can be used if the plants need additional nutrition.

Can You Use Chicken Manure Pellets?

Yes, at the manufacturer’s recommended rate, where feeding is appropriate.

Should You Feed in Autumn?

Avoid applying excessive nitrogen during autumn.

Strong, soft growth isn’t always desirable before winter.

What About Late Winter?

Autumn-planted shallots growing in nutrient-poor soil may benefit from a suitable nitrogen-rich fertiliser towards late winter.

Should You Use Tomato Feed?

Tomato feed isn’t essential for shallots.

Balanced soil fertility is more important than relying on a particular product.

How to Look After Newly Planted Shallot Sets

The first few weeks are about establishment.

Check That the Sets Stay in Place

Birds sometimes lift them from the ground.

Watch for Weed Growth

Remove small weeds before they establish strong roots.

Monitor Moisture

Avoid prolonged drought during establishment.

Check Drainage

This is particularly important after autumn rain.

Avoid Disturbing the Soil

Once roots are developing, don’t repeatedly lift the bulbs.

Keep Labels Visible

Make sure you know what variety you’ve planted.

Remove Protection at the Right Time

Once sets are properly rooted and no longer being disturbed, temporary bird protection may no longer be necessary.

Keep appropriate insect protection where it’s needed for pest management.

How Long Do Shallot Sets Take to Sprout?

Shallot sets can begin producing visible shoots within a few weeks when conditions are favourable.

However, timing varies considerably.

Spring-Planted Sets

As the soil warms, new shoots may emerge relatively quickly.

Autumn-Planted Sets

Some may produce leaves before winter.

Others establish roots and grow slowly until spring.

Are Slow Shoots a Problem?

Not always.

Cold soil naturally slows growth.

What if Only Some Sets Sprout?

Check whether birds have disturbed them.

Differences in moisture, planting-stock quality or local soil conditions may also be responsible.

Should You Dig Them Up?

Not immediately.

If a set appears to have failed completely, carefully inspect one representative bulb rather than disturbing the entire row.

Why Are My Newly Planted Shallots Not Growing?

Several factors can affect establishment.

Cold Conditions

Growth may be slow during winter.

Waterlogged Soil

Excessively wet conditions can cause roots or sets to deteriorate.

Poor Planting Material

Soft or damaged sets may not establish successfully.

Bird Damage

Some sets may have been pulled out and displaced.

Poor Soil Contact

Sets sitting loose on the surface may struggle to root.

Deep Planting

Excessive depth can delay emergence.

Disease

Serious allium diseases can also affect shallots.

If multiple plants are yellowing, wilting or rotting, investigate before adding fertiliser or more water.

How to Stop Birds Pulling Out Shallot Sets

Birds can be surprisingly troublesome after planting.

They may lift sets while investigating the soil.

Check the Bed Regularly

Look for sets lying on the soil surface.

Replant Displaced Sets

If they’re still healthy, gently place them back at the correct depth.

Use Temporary Fleece

Horticultural fleece can help until the sets establish.

Use Suitable Netting

Where netting is used, secure it tightly and choose a wildlife-safe mesh arrangement that won’t entangle birds.

Avoid Loose Netting

Loose or poorly fitted netting can cause wildlife problems.

Gardening with Ben tip: If I were planting a whole bed of autumn shallots, I’d check it after the first few days. Catching displaced sets early can make a difference to how many plants establish successfully.

Can You Mulch Around Shallot Sets?

Yes, but be careful.

A suitable mulch can help suppress weeds and maintain moisture.

However, thick material placed directly over recently planted shallots can obscure the tips and encourage persistently wet conditions.

Can You Use Homemade Compost?

A suitable surface layer of mature compost can help improve the soil.

Can You Use Strulch?

Strulch and other suitable straw-based mulches may be used around established plants according to product instructions.

Avoid burying young shoots.

What About Wood Chips?

Wood chips are particularly useful on surrounding paths.

I wouldn’t recommend covering freshly planted shallot tips with a thick layer of coarse wood chips.

When Is Mulching Most Useful?

Once the crop is established and the weather becomes drier, a suitable mulch may help maintain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Can You Plant Shallots with Onions and Garlic?

Yes.

Shallots, onions and garlic have broadly similar preferences for fertile, sunny, well-drained growing conditions.

Should You Mix Them in One Bed?

You can.

However, separate labelled rows or blocks make care and harvesting easier.

Should You Plant Them at the Same Depth?

No.

Shallot sets and onion sets are typically planted with their tips just visible.

Ordinary garlic cloves are generally planted fully beneath the surface.

Will Garlic Protect Shallots from Pests?

Don’t rely on that.

All three crops share important allium pests and diseases.

What About Crop Rotation?

Treat shallots, onions, garlic and leeks as part of the same crop rotation group.

Planting shallots after onions doesn’t provide a meaningful break from growing alliums.

Common Pests and Diseases After Planting

Shallots are generally straightforward to grow, but it’s worth recognising possible problems.

Onion White Rot

This serious fungal disease affects shallots and other alliums.

Symptoms include yellowing foliage, wilting and rotting roots or bulb bases.

The pathogen can remain in soil for many years.

Avoid transferring possibly contaminated soil or planting material to clean beds.

Allium Leaf Miner

The larvae can damage leaves and plant tissues.

Fine insect-proof mesh may help protect crops during adult egg-laying periods if installed in advance.

Onion Fly

Larvae can damage roots and developing bulbs.

Downy Mildew

Damp conditions can encourage fungal disease.

Bolting

Bolting occurs when a shallot prematurely produces a flowering stem.

Cold stress and variety characteristics can contribute.

Choose suitable sets for the planting season and consider heat-treated stock where available.

When Will Shallots Be Ready to Harvest?

Most shallots are harvested during summer.

July and August are common harvesting months, depending on planting time and variety.

What Do Mature Shallots Look Like?

The leaves begin turning yellow and naturally falling over.

The bulbs become well developed.

Will Every Set Produce Several Bulbs?

Traditional multiplying varieties usually form clusters.

However, the number of bulbs varies.

How Should You Harvest?

Use a hand fork or garden fork to loosen the soil.

Lift the bulbs carefully without damaging them.

Do Shallots Need Drying?

Yes, if you want to store them.

Dry the harvest in a sheltered, airy position until the skins and necks are dry.

How Long Can Shallots Store?

Healthy, properly cured shallots can keep for several months.

Storage life depends on the variety and storage conditions.

Ten Common Mistakes When Planting Shallot Sets

1. Planting the Wrong Variety in Autumn

Choose autumn-suitable planting stock.

2. Burying the Sets Too Deeply

Leave the pointed tips just showing.

3. Planting Sets Upside Down

Pointed ends face upwards.

4. Planting Too Closely Together

Allow 15–20 cm between traditional sets.

5. Choosing Waterlogged Soil

Good drainage is essential.

6. Planting in Heavy Shade

Full sun supports healthy growth.

7. Using Rotten or Damaged Sets

Start with healthy planting material.

8. Forgetting About Birds

Check newly planted sets regularly.

9. Overwatering

Avoid keeping the root zone permanently saturated.

10. Overfeeding

Healthy soil matters more than applying excessive fertiliser.

Month-by-Month UK Shallot Set Planting and Care Calendar

Month	What to do
January	Check overwintering sets, drainage and frost disturbance.
February	Prepare soil and plant suitable late-winter sets.
March	Plant main spring shallot sets.
April	Finish suitable spring planting and remove weeds.
May	Monitor strong leaf growth, moisture and pests.
June	Check developing bulb clusters and water in prolonged drought.
July	Begin harvesting mature shallots where ready.
August	Harvest later crops, cure and store healthy bulbs.
September	Prepare autumn beds and buy suitable planting sets.
October	Plant shallot varieties recommended for autumn.
November	Continue suitable planting and check winter drainage.
December	Avoid unnecessary watering and monitor overwintering crops.

These dates vary with the variety and the conditions in your part of the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Shallot Sets

How do you plant shallot sets in the UK?

Plant healthy sets in sunny, well-drained soil with the pointed ends upwards and their tips just showing. Allow 15–20 cm between sets.

How deep should shallot sets be planted?

Plant them shallowly so the pointed tip is just visible at the soil surface.

Which way up do you plant shallot sets?

Pointed end upwards and the flat root-producing base downwards.

How far apart do you plant shallots?

Allow approximately 15–20 cm between traditional sets and 25–30 cm between rows.

Can I plant shallots in October?

Yes, if the variety is suitable for autumn planting.

When is the best month to plant shallot sets?

March is a main spring planting month, while suitable autumn varieties can be planted around October.

Can shallot sets be planted in November?

Some autumn or winter varieties can, provided soil conditions are suitable.

Can I plant shallots in February?

Yes, suitable late-winter or spring sets can be planted when the soil is workable.

Is April too late to plant shallots?

No. April is suitable for many spring shallot varieties.

Do you peel shallot sets before planting?

No. Keep their protective papery skins intact where possible.

Do you separate shallot sets?

If you buy individual sets, plant them separately. Each traditional set can form its own cluster.

Should you soak shallot sets before planting?

Routine soaking isn’t necessary. Plant healthy sets directly into suitably moist soil unless the supplier advises otherwise.

Can you plant supermarket shallots?

Some may grow, but suitable named planting stock from a reputable supplier is recommended.

How long do shallot sets take to sprout?

Visible shoots may develop within a few weeks in favourable conditions, but cold soil can delay growth.

Why are birds pulling out my shallots?

Newly planted sets can be disturbed before roots establish. Suitable temporary protection can help.

Can you plant shallots in raised beds?

Yes. Raised beds can provide excellent conditions with suitable soil and drainage.

Can you grow shallot sets in containers?

Yes. Use a sufficiently large container, suitable compost and reliable drainage.

Do shallot sets need full sun?

Yes. A sunny position is best.

Should you water shallot sets after planting?

Water them in as appropriate, but avoid saturating already wet soil.

Can you use chicken manure pellets when planting shallots?

They may be used according to the product instructions where additional nutrients are required. Avoid overapplication.

Can you plant shallots with garlic?

Yes, with suitable spacing. However, they share several pests and diseases.

How many bulbs will one shallot set produce?

Traditional multiplying sets can form several new bulbs, but the number varies.

Why are my planted shallots not growing?

Possible reasons include cold weather, waterlogging, poor planting material, disturbance or disease.

Can shallot sets survive winter?

Suitable overwintering varieties can survive typical UK winter conditions in well-drained soil.

What happens if shallots bolt?

They produce flower stems prematurely. Bulbs from bolted plants may store less well.

When do you harvest shallots?

Many are ready during July or August when the foliage begins yellowing and falling over.

Can you save shallot sets for next year?

Healthy, mature shallots from suitable traditional varieties can sometimes be saved for the following planting season.

Final Thoughts: Getting Shallot Planting Right

Planting shallot sets is one of the easiest and most rewarding jobs you can do on a UK allotment.

You don’t need complicated equipment or years of gardening experience.

You simply need healthy planting sets, a sunny growing position and well-drained soil.

But getting a few important details right can make a big difference.

Always plant the pointed end upwards.

Leave the tip just visible above the soil.

And allow approximately 15–20 cm between traditional shallot sets, so the bulbs have enough room to develop into clusters.

It’s also important to choose the correct planting season.

Some varieties are suitable for autumn planting, while others are best planted during spring.

If your ground becomes very wet during winter, there’s nothing wrong with waiting until the soil improves.

And after planting, check your shallots regularly.

Make sure birds haven’t pulled them from the soil, remove weeds as they appear and monitor drainage and moisture.

As spring arrives, your shallots should begin producing stronger green leaves.

Later, the bulbs will swell and traditional varieties may begin forming their clusters.

Then, when summer arrives and the foliage naturally starts yellowing, you’ll be able to lift your home-grown harvest.

If you’ve never planted shallot sets before, I’d definitely recommend giving them a try.

They’re a fantastic addition to your allotment, excellent for cooking and a brilliant crop to grow alongside your onions and garlic.

And there’s something incredibly satisfying about planting one little bulb and eventually harvesting several new ones.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!