The Ultimate Guide to Shallot Varieties: Exploring the Different Types of Shallots
Shallots are a kitchen and allotment favourite, prized for their sweet, mild flavour, excellent storage, and versatility in cooking. But not all shallots are the same. From classic banana shallots to round, copper-skinned types, choosing the right variety can make a big difference to yield, flavour, and how well they grow in UK conditions.
This ultimate guide explores the different types of shallot varieties, explains their characteristics, and helps you choose the best shallots for your garden, allotment, or containers.
⭐ Recommended Tools & Supplies for Growing Shallots
Shallots are easy to grow, but a few basics make the job simpler and more successful.
• Garden Fork (Not a Spade)
Essential for lifting shallots cleanly without slicing through bulbs at harvest time.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Free-Draining Compost or Grit
Improves drainage in heavier soils and reduces the risk of bulbs rotting.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Plant Labels or Markers
Useful for keeping track of different shallot varieties, which can look similar early on.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Garden Fleece
Helps protect young shoots from late frosts in early spring.
👉 Click here to see top options
What Are Shallots?
Shallots are members of the allium family, closely related to onions and garlic. Unlike onions, which usually form a single bulb, shallots split into clusters, producing several smaller bulbs from one planted set.
They’re valued for:
- Mild, sweet flavour
- Reliable growth
- Good storage life
- Excellent cooking qualities
Shallots are especially popular in French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Why There Are Different Shallot Varieties
Shallot varieties differ in:
- Shape (round or elongated)
- Skin colour
- Flavour strength
- Yield
- Storage ability
- Resistance to bolting
Some varieties are better for early planting, others for long storage or heavier soils.
Main Types of Shallot Varieties
Banana Shallots (Long Shallots)
Banana shallots are long and tapered, often mistaken for small onions.
Key characteristics:
- Elongated shape
- Mild, sweet flavour
- Easy to peel
- Large bulbs
Best for:
- Cooking and roasting
- Slicing
- Gourmet dishes
Popular banana-type varieties include:
- ‘Zebrune’
- ‘Echalion Gris’ (similar shape but stronger flavour)
Banana shallots are very popular with chefs due to their size and texture.
Round Shallots
Round shallots look more like small onions and are the most traditional type.
Key characteristics:
- Round or oval shape
- Copper or golden skins
- Balanced flavour
- Excellent storage
Best for:
- General cooking
- Chopping and frying
- Long-term storage
Common round varieties include:
- ‘Golden Gourmet’
- ‘Red Sun’
These are often the most reliable choice for UK allotments.
Red Shallots
Red shallots have attractive reddish or pink skins and flesh.
Key characteristics:
- Reddish-purple skins
- Slightly sweeter flavour
- Attractive appearance
Best for:
- Salads
- Pickling
- Fresh use
Popular red varieties include:
- ‘Red Sun’
- ‘Jermor’
They add colour as well as flavour to dishes.
Grey Shallots (French Shallots)
Grey shallots are highly regarded but slightly more demanding.
Key characteristics:
⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March
March is when the growing season truly begins. Seeds are being sown daily, beds are prepared and late frosts are still possible — these essentials help produce strong plants and a successful start.
Seed Trays, Modules & Propagation Kits — perfect for tomatoes, brassicas, lettuce, onions and flowers. 👉
Click here to see top options
Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
Click here to see top options
Seed & Cutting Compost — essential for healthy seedlings and strong root growth. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Fleece & Plant Protection Covers — protects seedlings, potatoes and early plantings from late frost. 👉
Click here to see top options
Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
Click here to see top options
Pressure Washer (Greenhouse & Patio Cleaning) — clean patios, paths and greenhouses before planting. 👉
Click here to see top options
Solar Garden Lights — perfect for enjoying the garden during brighter spring evenings. 👉
Click here to see top options
- Grey-brown skins
- Strong, complex flavour
- Smaller bulbs
- Lower yields
Best for:
- Traditional French cooking
- Sauces and reductions
Grey shallots are often grown from seed rather than sets and are favoured for flavour over size.
Popular Shallot Varieties for UK Gardeners
‘Golden Gourmet’
- Round type
- Reliable and high-yielding
- Excellent storage
- Ideal for beginners
‘Jermor’
- Pink-skinned shallot
- Good resistance to bolting
- Consistent performer
- Mild, pleasant flavour
‘Zebrune’
- Banana shallot
- Long, torpedo shape
- Easy to prepare
- Slightly shorter storage life
‘Red Sun’
- Red-skinned round shallot
- Attractive bulbs
- Good flavour
- Suitable for fresh use
Shallots Grown from Sets vs Seed
Shallot Sets
- Most common method
- Faster and easier
- Reliable results
- Ideal for beginners
Shallots from Seed
- Often used for grey shallots
- Slower to mature
- Require more care
- Can produce excellent flavour
Most UK gardeners choose sets for simplicity.
Which Shallot Variety Should You Choose?
Choose based on your priorities:
For beginners:
- ‘Golden Gourmet’
- ‘Jermor’
For cooking and roasting:
- Banana shallots like ‘Zebrune’
For salads and colour:
- Red shallots
For flavour-focused cooking:
- Grey shallots
Many gardeners grow more than one type to cover all uses.
How Shallot Varieties Affect Yield
Yield varies by type:
- Round shallots often produce more bulbs per set
- Banana shallots produce larger but fewer bulbs
- Grey shallots produce fewer, smaller bulbs
So “best yield” depends on whether you value size or quantity.
Storage Differences Between Varieties
Not all shallots store equally well.
Best storage varieties:
- Round copper shallots
- ‘Golden Gourmet’
Shorter storage varieties:
- Banana shallots
- Grey shallots
Proper curing is essential for all types.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Shallot Varieties
❌ Choosing based on looks alone
❌ Ignoring storage needs
❌ Planting long shallots in heavy soil
❌ Mixing varieties without labelling
❌ Expecting all shallots to behave the same
Matching the variety to your conditions matters.
Can You Grow Different Shallot Varieties Together?
Yes.
- They grow well side by side
- Harvest times are similar
- Label rows clearly
Growing several types gives flexibility in the kitchen.
Shallots vs Onions: Variety Differences
Compared to onions, shallots:
- Are sweeter and milder
- Store well but slightly less long than onions
- Take up less space
- Produce clusters instead of single bulbs
Variety choice matters more with shallots than onions.
Are Some Shallot Varieties Better for Containers?
Yes.
Best container choices:
- Round shallots
- Medium-sized varieties
Banana shallots need deeper containers due to their shape.
Final Thoughts
Shallots may look similar at first glance, but different varieties offer distinct advantages in flavour, yield, shape, and storage. Whether you prefer the long elegance of banana shallots, the reliability of round copper types, or the intense flavour of grey shallots, there’s a variety to suit every gardener and every kitchen.
By choosing the right shallot varieties for your growing conditions and cooking style, you’ll enjoy better harvests, improved storage, and far more versatility from this underrated allium.