When to Harvest Shallots in the UK – Signs They’re Ready

Knowing when to harvest shallots in the UK is one of the most important parts of growing these fantastic vegetables, especially if you want healthy bulbs that will store for months.

You’ve planted your shallot sets, watched the green shoots appear and looked after the plants throughout spring.

Now summer has arrived, and you’re beginning to notice something different.

The leaves are turning yellow.

Some of the foliage has started falling over.

And when you look carefully around the base of your plants, you might even see some of the developing shallot bulbs appearing above the soil.

But does this mean they’re ready to harvest?

Should you lift them immediately?

Or should you wait until all the leaves have died back completely?

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

There’s something incredibly satisfying about planting a small shallot set and eventually harvesting a cluster containing several new bulbs.

But getting the harvesting time right is important.

Lift your shallots too early, and they may not have reached their full potential.

Leave them sitting in wet ground after they’ve matured, and you could end up with bulbs that begin deteriorating.

And if you want to store your shallots through autumn and winter, harvesting carefully and drying them properly can make a big difference.

The good news is that shallots give us some useful clues when they’re ready.

The most important signs are changes in their foliage.

Healthy green leaves gradually begin yellowing, bending and dying back as the bulbs approach maturity.

In this complete UK growing guide, I’ll explain when shallots are normally ready to harvest, how to recognise mature bulbs and whether autumn-planted shallots are ready before spring-planted crops.

We’ll also look at lifting traditional shallot clusters, harvesting shallots grown from seed, what to do during wet weather and how to prepare your crop for storage.

Plus, I’ll cover common harvesting mistakes and answer some of the questions gardeners frequently ask.

So if you’re looking at your shallots and wondering whether it’s time to get the garden fork out, let’s find out!

When Are Shallots Ready to Harvest in the UK?

Shallots normally mature during mid- to late summer in the UK.

For many gardeners, that means harvesting during July or August.

However, the exact timing depends on several factors.

These include the variety you’re growing, whether you planted in autumn or spring, and the conditions throughout the growing season.

Are Shallots Always Ready in July?

No.

Some crops may mature in June or July, particularly suitable varieties planted the previous autumn.

Other crops may continue growing into August.

Can Shallots Be Harvested in August?

Absolutely.

August is a common harvest month, especially for spring-planted shallots.

Do Shallots Ripen at the Same Time as Onions?

Not necessarily.

Although shallots and onions are closely related, they can have different harvesting dates.

Should You Follow the Calendar Exactly?

No.

The calendar is useful for planning, but the condition of the plants is more important.

Gardening with Ben tip: Never harvest all your shallots simply because it’s the first week of July. Look at the leaves and the developing bulbs. The plants will usually tell you when they’re ready.

Five Signs Your Shallots Are Ready to Harvest

Recognising maturity is the most reliable way to decide when to lift your shallots.

1. The Leaves Begin Turning Yellow

One of the first visible signs is that the green foliage begins losing its colour.

Lower leaves may turn yellow before the rest of the plant.

This is often part of the normal ripening process.

However, yellowing leaves alone aren’t enough to prove the crop is ready.

Premature yellowing can also be caused by drought, waterlogging, pests or disease.

Look for several signs together.

2. The Foliage Naturally Falls Over

This is one of the most important indicators.

As the plant reaches maturity, the foliage starts to soften and flop over.

You may notice that several plants in the row begin leaning at approximately the same time.

If the leaves are naturally yellowing and falling over during summer, your shallots are probably approaching harvest.

3. The Bulbs Have Swollen

Look carefully around the base of the foliage.

Traditional shallots often develop clusters of bulbs that become more noticeable as they mature.

The individual bulbs should feel reasonably firm.

Some may be partly visible above the soil surface.

4. New Leaf Growth Slows

During spring, shallots actively produce green leaves.

As bulb formation progresses and the crop matures, the plant gradually reduces its production of new foliage.

This is another clue that harvesting time is approaching.

5. The Outer Skins Begin Maturing

The developing bulbs begin forming their protective outer skins.

Depending on the variety, these may be golden, copper-coloured or reddish-brown.

The skins will continue drying during the curing process after harvest.

What Do Shallots Look Like When They’re Ready to Harvest?

This is a useful question, particularly if you’re growing shallots for the first time.

Mature shallot plants look quite different from their healthy spring appearance.

In Spring

The plants produce upright, green leaves.

The foliage generally looks fresh and vigorous.

During Early Summer

The bulbs begin developing while the leaves remain mostly green.

As Harvest Approaches

The leaves gradually lose colour.

Some begin bending or falling over.

The bulb clusters become more developed.

At Harvest Time

A mature crop often has yellowing, flopping foliage and well-formed bulbs beneath it.

Should Every Leaf Be Brown?

No.

You don’t necessarily need to wait until the entire plant has completely died.

Once the crop is naturally maturing, you can inspect a representative plant to help decide whether it’s ready.

When to Harvest Autumn-Planted Shallots

Autumn-planted shallots can mature earlier than spring-planted crops.

That’s because suitable overwintering varieties begin establishing before the main spring growing season.

Are Autumn Shallots Ready in June?

Some suitable early varieties may be ready during June.

However, this shouldn’t be assumed for every autumn planting.

Are They Ready in July?

Yes.

July is a common harvesting month for many overwintered shallots.

What About August?

Some crops may continue into August, particularly after a cool or slow growing season.

Does Winter Weather Affect Harvest Time?

Yes.

A cold, wet winter can affect establishment.

Spring temperatures, rainfall and sunshine also influence growth.

Do All Autumn Shallots Harvest Earlier?

Not always.

Different cultivars naturally mature at different rates.

The important thing is watching for yellowing foliage and bulb maturity.

When to Harvest Spring-Planted Shallots

Spring planting is the most common approach for many shallot varieties.

Sets are generally planted during early to mid-spring.

When Are March-Planted Shallots Ready?

Many are ready during July or August.

When Are April-Planted Shallots Ready?

They may mature during late summer, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Can You Harvest Them in September?

A late crop may occasionally reach maturity around the beginning of autumn.

However, most UK shallots are harvested during summer.

Does Planting Late Delay the Harvest?

It can affect growth and bulb size.

Shallot bulb formation is influenced by day length, so planting unusually late doesn’t always produce a straightforward delay of the entire growing cycle.

Should You Wait for Larger Bulbs?

Only if the plant is still actively developing and appears healthy.

Once the foliage has naturally died back, leaving the crop in the soil won’t necessarily make the bulbs significantly larger.

Shallot Harvesting Calendar for UK Gardeners

Month	What to expect
January	Overwintering shallots growing slowly
February	Established plants begin responding to improving conditions
March	Spring sets planted; overwintered crops developing
April	Stronger leaf growth
May	Healthy foliage and developing bulb potential
June	Some early overwintered varieties may be ready
July	Main harvest period for many shallots
August	Main harvest period for later crops
September	Occasional late harvests, depending on conditions
October	Plant suitable autumn varieties for a future harvest
November	Check overwintering crops and drainage
December	Winter establishment and monitoring

This is a general UK guide rather than a guaranteed harvesting calendar.

How to Check If Shallots Are Ready Without Harvesting Everything

Sometimes the foliage is beginning to yellow, but you’re still uncertain.

In this situation, you can inspect one representative plant.

Step 1: Choose a Typical Plant

Select a plant showing normal signs of maturity.

Avoid choosing an obviously diseased or unusually small specimen.

Step 2: Look at the Leaves

Are several leaves yellowing?

Has the foliage naturally begun falling over?

Step 3: Examine the Bulb Area

Gently move a little loose soil away if necessary.

Step 4: Check Bulb Size

Are the bulbs well formed and reasonably firm?

Step 5: Lift One Plant if Necessary

Use a hand fork to carefully lift one representative cluster.

Step 6: Inspect the Harvest

Look at the size, firmness and outer skin development.

Step 7: Compare with the Remaining Crop

If most plants show similar maturity signs, the main harvest may be ready.

Step 8: Leave Later Plants to Develop

If some rows are still healthy and green, don’t assume they need harvesting on the same day.

This approach is particularly helpful if you’ve planted several varieties.

Should You Harvest Shallots When the Leaves Turn Yellow?

Often, yes, but it’s important to distinguish normal maturity from unhealthy yellowing.

Normal Yellowing

Normal maturity usually happens during summer.

The foliage gradually changes colour and begins falling over.

The bulbs are well developed.

Yellowing from Drought

A plant suffering from severe dryness can turn yellow prematurely.

The bulbs may remain small.

Yellowing from Waterlogging

Excessively wet soil can damage roots and cause foliage to deteriorate.

Yellowing from Disease

Certain allium diseases can also cause premature wilting and yellowing.

How Do You Tell the Difference?

Look at the time of year, the condition of the entire plant and the bulbs beneath the soil.

If the plant is unexpectedly yellow in spring, investigate rather than assuming it’s harvest time.

Should You Bend Over Shallot Leaves Before Harvesting?

No. Allow the foliage to fall over naturally.

Some older gardening advice suggests manually bending over onion or shallot tops to speed up ripening.

However, forcing the foliage over can damage the plant.

Why Is Bending Leaves a Bad Idea?

It can injure the neck and foliage.

Damage can increase the risk of decay.

It doesn’t reliably improve the quality of the harvest.

What Should You Do Instead?

Allow the plants to mature naturally.

Reduce unnecessary watering as the bulbs finish swelling.

Harvest when the normal maturity signs appear.

What If the Leaves Have Fallen Over Naturally?

That’s exactly the signal you’re looking for.

You can begin checking whether the bulbs are ready.

Should You Harvest Shallots Before Heavy Rain?

Weather is worth considering when your shallots are nearly mature.

Is Dry Weather Best for Harvesting?

A dry spell can make lifting and drying easier.

What If Rain Is Forecast?

If the shallots are mature, it’s sensible to harvest them rather than leave them sitting in persistently wet soil.

Should You Harvest Immature Shallots Before Rain?

Not automatically.

A brief spell of rainfall doesn’t mean you need to lift an immature, healthy crop.

What About Prolonged Wet Weather?

If the bulbs have matured and the soil is becoming saturated, harvesting and moving the crop into a sheltered drying area may be preferable.

Can You Cure Shallots Indoors?

Yes.

A suitably ventilated shed or greenhouse can provide protection from rain.

How to Harvest Shallots – Step-by-Step Guide

Once your shallots are ready, lifting them carefully is important.

Damaged or bruised bulbs may deteriorate during storage.

Step 1: Choose Mature Plants

Look for yellowing and naturally falling foliage.

Step 2: Choose a Suitable Day

Dry weather is helpful, although mature shallots can be lifted when necessary during damp conditions.

Step 3: Prepare Your Equipment

You’ll need a hand fork or garden fork.

Have a shallow harvesting tray or basket ready.

Step 4: Loosen the Soil

Position the fork a short distance from the developing bulbs.

Gently loosen the surrounding soil.

Step 5: Lift from Beneath

Ease the bulb cluster upwards.

Don’t force the fork directly through the shallots.

Step 6: Avoid Pulling Hard on the Leaves

The foliage may already be drying and fragile.

Pulling can damage the neck or separate it from the bulb.

Step 7: Lift the Entire Cluster

Traditional shallots usually form a group of new bulbs around the original planting position.

Step 8: Remove Loose Soil

Gently shake or brush away loose soil.

Avoid knocking the bulbs together.

Step 9: Separate the Bulbs

Carefully divide the cluster into individual shallots.

Step 10: Inspect Each Bulb

Look for cuts, bruising, softness or signs of decay.

Step 11: Keep Damaged Bulbs Separate

Sound, lightly damaged bulbs can be used promptly if the edible tissue is healthy.

Don’t store them with your best bulbs.

Discard rotten or diseased material.

Step 12: Keep Varieties Labelled

If you’ve grown more than one variety, place them in separate trays.

Step 13: Begin Drying

Spread healthy bulbs in a single layer in a suitable drying area.

Step 14: Avoid Washing Storage Bulbs

Brushing away dry loose soil is preferable to soaking or washing bulbs intended for long storage.

Step 15: Prepare for Curing

Good airflow and dry conditions will help your shallots develop papery skins suitable for storage.

Gardening with Ben tip: I’d always use a fork to loosen the soil first rather than pulling hard on the foliage. It takes only a little extra care and helps avoid damaging bulbs you’ve spent months growing.

How to Harvest Traditional Multiplying Shallots

Traditional shallots can produce several bulbs from one planted set.

That makes harvesting particularly satisfying.

What Does a Shallot Cluster Look Like?

Several bulbs develop close together around the original planting position.

They may be crowded against one another.

Should You Lift the Whole Cluster?

Yes.

Carefully lever the entire group from the soil.

Should You Separate Them Immediately?

They can be carefully separated into individual bulbs after lifting.

How Many Shallots Should You Expect?

It varies by variety and growing conditions.

Some varieties can produce several bulbs per planted set.

What If You Only Have Two or Three Bulbs?

That’s still a crop.

The number of bulbs isn’t the only measure of success; their size and health matter too.

How to Harvest Banana Shallots

Banana shallots are elongated and often have copper-coloured skins.

Some are traditional multiplying types.

Others are grown from seed and produce individual bulbs.

Do Banana Shallots Harvest at the Same Time?

They generally mature in summer, but exact timing depends on the cultivar and planting date.

Are They Ready When the Leaves Yellow?

Yes, natural yellowing and falling foliage are important signs.

Should You Handle Long Bulbs Differently?

Take care not to bruise or snap their tapered ends.

What About ‘Longor’?

‘Longor’ is a traditional elongated shallot that can produce clusters of bulbs.

What About ‘Zebrune’?

‘Zebrune’ is commonly grown from seed.

Each seed-grown plant generally produces an individual elongated bulb.

The basic maturity signs are still similar.

How to Harvest Shallots Grown from Seed

Seed-grown shallots are harvested in much the same way as set-grown shallots.

However, the final bulb arrangement may be different.

What Happens with Single-Sown Plants?

Each plant generally produces one bulb.

What About Multi-Sown Modules?

Several individual bulbs grow close together because several seedlings were planted in one module.

Should You Lift Them as a Group?

You can gently lift the group and then separate the individual bulbs.

When Are They Ready?

Look for normal yellowing, falling foliage and firm, mature bulbs.

Do They Need Curing?

Yes, if you intend to store them.

Harvesting Shallots from Raised Beds

Raised beds can make harvesting particularly convenient.

Why Are They Useful?

The soil may be easier to access and less compacted.

Can You Pull Shallots Straight Out?

It’s still better to loosen the soil first.

Should You Walk on the Bed?

No.

Work from the paths or edges to avoid compacting the growing soil.

Can You Harvest Different Rows Separately?

Yes.

If one variety matures before another, harvest them independently.

What Happens to the Bed Afterwards?

Remove crop debris, assess the soil and prepare for a suitable follow-on crop.

Harvesting Shallots from Pots and Containers

Container-grown shallots may be easier to inspect and lift.

How Do You Know They’re Ready?

Look for the same signs as in-ground crops.

Yellowing leaves, falling foliage and mature bulbs are the main clues.

Should You Tip the Entire Pot Over?

You can carefully empty a small pot if the crop is fully mature, but use caution to avoid bruising bulbs.

Is a Hand Fork Better?

For larger containers, gently loosening the compost with a hand fork is often easier.

What If Some Bulbs Are Smaller?

Different bulbs may vary in size.

If the crop is mature, harvest and use the smaller healthy bulbs too.

Do Potted Shallots Store Well?

They can, provided they are healthy, mature and properly cured.

Can You Harvest Shallots Early?

Yes.

Shallots can be lifted before they’re fully mature if you want to use them fresh.

However, they may not have reached their full bulb size.

Are Early Shallots Edible?

Healthy young shallots can be used in cooking.

Will They Taste Different?

Immature bulbs may have a different texture and moisture content from fully cured shallots.

Can You Store Early Shallots?

They’re generally less suitable for long-term storage than fully mature, properly cured bulbs.

Should You Harvest the Whole Crop Early?

Not unless you have a good reason.

If your goal is a substantial storage harvest, wait for normal maturity.

What About Shallots That Have Bolted?

Bulbs from plants that have produced flower stems may store less successfully.

These are worth using earlier.

Can You Leave Shallots in the Ground Too Long?

Yes.

Once the crop has matured, leaving bulbs in unsuitable soil conditions can reduce their quality.

What Happens in Wet Soil?

Prolonged wetness can increase the risk of decay.

Could Shallots Start Sprouting Again?

Under suitable conditions, mature bulbs may begin producing new growth later.

Will Bulbs Keep Getting Bigger?

Not indefinitely.

Once the plant has completed its normal growing cycle, further useful bulb development is limited.

Should You Leave Them for Another Month?

If the foliage has naturally died back and the crop is mature, there is usually little benefit.

What If the Weather Is Dry?

You may have some flexibility, but it’s still worth harvesting at the correct maturity stage.

What Happens If You Harvest Shallots Too Early?

Immature shallots can still be edible.

However, harvesting early has disadvantages.

Smaller Bulbs

The plants may not have completed bulb development.

Moisture-Rich Necks

The foliage and necks may remain greener and wetter.

Less Reliable Storage

Immature bulbs may not cure or store as well.

Lower Yield

You may harvest less total weight than you would from a mature crop.

What Should You Do with Early-Harvested Shallots?

Use healthy bulbs relatively promptly in cooking rather than relying on them for long storage.

Should You Wash Shallots After Harvesting?

For bulbs intended for long-term storage, it’s generally best not to wash them.

Why Avoid Washing?

Adding moisture can make drying more difficult.

What Should You Do Instead?

Brush away loose soil gently.

What If the Soil Is Wet?

Move the bulbs somewhere dry and airy.

Allow the soil adhering to the skins to dry before brushing it away carefully.

Can You Wash Shallots Before Cooking?

Yes.

When you’re ready to use them, wash and prepare them as appropriate for the recipe.

How to Dry Shallots After Harvesting

Drying is important if you want to store your shallots.

The process is often called curing.

Step 1: Choose a Dry Location

A sheltered, well-ventilated shed or greenhouse can work well.

Step 2: Use Suitable Trays

Wire racks or slatted trays allow air to circulate around the bulbs.

Step 3: Spread in a Single Layer

Avoid piling bulbs on top of one another.

Step 4: Provide Good Airflow

This helps moisture escape.

Step 5: Protect from Rain

Don’t leave your harvest exposed to prolonged wet weather.

Step 6: Avoid Excessive Heat

A greenhouse can become extremely hot in summer.

Provide ventilation and protect bulbs from scorching.

Step 7: Allow Sufficient Drying Time

The RHS suggests approximately two weeks in favourable conditions.

Damp weather can make the process longer.

Step 8: Check the Skins

They should feel dry and papery.

Step 9: Check the Necks

The foliage and necks should be thoroughly dry.

Step 10: Remove Poor-Quality Bulbs

Only store healthy, undamaged bulbs.

Can You Dry Shallots Outdoors?

Yes, during reliably dry, sunny weather.

However, move them under cover if rain is forecast.

Can You Dry Shallots in a Shed?

Yes, provided the shed is dry and well ventilated.

How Long Should Shallots Dry Before Storage?

Around two weeks is a useful guide under suitable conditions.

However, the actual time depends on the weather, humidity, ventilation and the condition of the harvested bulbs.

Are Shallots Ready After Seven Days?

Possibly, but don’t rely on the calendar alone.

Check whether the skins and necks have dried properly.

What If They’re Still Damp After Two Weeks?

Continue curing in suitable conditions.

Should You Cut Off the Leaves Immediately?

For bulbs intended for storage, it’s better to allow the foliage to dry thoroughly before trimming it.

Can You Store Bulbs with Green Necks?

They may not keep as well.

Use incompletely cured bulbs earlier rather than mixing them with properly dried storage shallots.

How to Store Shallots After Harvesting

Once they’re properly cured, shallots can often be stored for several months.

The RHS suggests that healthy, correctly stored shallots generally keep for at least six to eight months.

Step 1: Inspect the Bulbs

Choose firm, healthy shallots with dry skins.

Step 2: Remove Dried Foliage

Trim remaining dry leaves appropriately.

Step 3: Choose Breathable Storage

Mesh bags and shallow trays are useful.

Step 4: Select a Suitable Position

Keep the shallots cool, dry, light and well ventilated.

Step 5: Avoid Sealed Plastic Bags

These can trap moisture.

Step 6: Check Regularly

Remove any bulbs that become soft, mouldy or start deteriorating.

Do Shallots Store Better Than Onions?

That depends on the cultivar and storage conditions.

Both can store well when properly cured.

Which Shallots Store Best?

Some varieties are particularly valued for keeping qualities.

Examples worth investigating include ‘Longor’, ‘Matador’ and ‘Camelot’.

Can You Save Harvested Shallots for Planting Next Year?

Yes, with suitable traditional multiplying varieties.

Healthy, mature bulbs can sometimes be saved as future planting sets.

Which Bulbs Should You Choose?

Select firm, healthy, well-developed bulbs.

Should You Save Damaged Shallots?

No.

Avoid saving bulbs with bruises, softness, rot or suspicious disease symptoms.

Do You Need to Keep Them Separate?

Yes.

Label saved planting bulbs with the variety name.

When Can You Replant Them?

At the appropriate planting season for the cultivar.

What About Seed-Grown Shallots?

Follow the propagation guidance for the named variety.

For predictable results, seed-grown varieties are generally raised from suitable seed.

What About Onion White Rot?

Don’t save or replant bulbs from plants showing signs of this serious disease.

Why Are My Shallots Yellow Before Harvest Time?

Unexpected yellowing can cause concern.

But don’t automatically assume the bulbs are ready.

Drought

Severe dryness can cause foliage stress.

Waterlogging

Saturated soil can damage roots.

Nutritional Problems

Poor growing conditions may affect leaf colour.

Onion White Rot

This serious allium disease can cause yellowing, wilting and root decay.

Other Pests and Diseases

Allium leaf miner and various fungal problems can damage shallot plants.

How Do You Investigate?

Check the time of year.

Look at the overall crop.

Inspect soil moisture and drainage.

If necessary, carefully lift one affected plant and check its roots and bulb base.

Should You Harvest Diseased Shallots for Storage?

No.

Bulbs showing rot or serious disease symptoms shouldn’t be added to your healthy storage crop.

Ten Common Shallot Harvesting Mistakes

1. Harvesting Only According to the Calendar

The plants’ maturity signs matter more than the date.

2. Lifting Bulbs While They’re Still Developing

Immature shallots may be smaller and store poorly.

3. Leaving Mature Bulbs in Persistently Wet Soil

This can increase the risk of deterioration.

4. Forcing the Leaves to Bend Over

Allow them to fall naturally.

5. Pulling Hard on the Foliage

This can damage the necks.

6. Using a Fork Too Close to the Bulbs

Cuts and bruises can encourage storage problems.

7. Washing Bulbs Intended for Long Storage

Extra moisture can make curing more difficult.

8. Piling Shallots Together While Drying

Poor airflow slows curing.

9. Storing Damaged Bulbs

Use healthy but slightly damaged bulbs promptly and discard those showing rot.

10. Storing Before the Necks Are Dry

Poorly cured shallots may deteriorate quickly.

What Can You Grow After Harvesting Shallots?

One of the advantages of harvesting shallots during summer is that you can use the growing space again.

Salad Leaves

Suitable lettuce and rocket varieties may be grown after the harvest.

Radishes

Quick-growing radishes can be useful in late summer.

Spinach

Some varieties can be sown during late summer or early autumn.

Pak Choi

Suitable varieties may be grown as summer temperatures begin cooling.

Autumn Cover Crops

A suitable green manure can help keep the soil covered when no immediate vegetable crop is planned.

Should You Plant Garlic Straight Afterwards?

Consider crop rotation.

Shallots and garlic belong to the same allium group and share important pests and diseases.

What About Raised Beds?

You can prepare the bed for a non-allium follow-on crop once the shallots have been removed.

UK Shallot Harvesting Checklist

Before lifting your shallots, ask yourself:

• Are we in the expected harvesting period for the variety?
• Are the leaves turning yellow naturally?
• Has the foliage started falling over?
• Are the bulbs well developed?
• Is the crop free from obvious serious disease?
• Do I have somewhere dry and ventilated to cure the harvest?
• Have I prepared trays or racks?
• Can I keep varieties labelled?
• Am I ready to separate damaged bulbs?
• Do I have a suitable storage space?

If your shallots are mature and you’ve prepared a drying area, you’re ready to harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvesting Shallots

When should you harvest shallots in the UK?

Usually during mid- to late summer, commonly July or August, when the foliage naturally yellows and falls over.

How do you know when shallots are ready?

Look for yellowing leaves, foliage flopping over and firm, well-developed bulbs.

Can you harvest shallots in June?

Some early autumn-planted varieties may be ready in June.

Are shallots ready in July?

Yes. July is a common harvest month in the UK.

Can you harvest shallots in August?

Yes. Many later crops mature during August.

Can you harvest shallots in September?

Occasionally, particularly if a crop matures late, although most are harvested in summer.

Do you harvest shallots when the leaves turn yellow?

Natural yellowing and falling foliage are important signs of maturity, especially during summer.

Should all the leaves be brown before harvesting?

Not necessarily. You can inspect the bulbs once the foliage is naturally dying back.

Do shallots have to fall over before harvesting?

Natural falling foliage is one of the clearest indicators, but you can lift a small number early for immediate use.

Should you bend shallot leaves over?

No. Let the foliage fall naturally.

Can you harvest shallots while the leaves are green?

Yes, for fresh use, but immature bulbs may be smaller and less suitable for storage.

How long do shallots take to grow?

It depends on the variety and planting date. Autumn-planted sets may remain in the ground over winter, while spring-planted crops usually grow through spring into summer.

Are autumn-planted shallots harvested earlier?

Often, although the exact harvest depends on the variety and weather.

When do spring-planted shallots mature?

Many are ready during July or August.

How do you lift shallots?

Use a hand fork to loosen the soil and gently lever the bulbs out.

Should you pull shallots out by their leaves?

It’s better to loosen the soil first to avoid damaging the bulbs or necks.

Do shallots grow in clusters?

Traditional multiplying shallots generally produce several bulbs from one planted set.

Should you separate shallot clusters?

Yes. Carefully separate the individual bulbs after lifting.

Can you harvest banana shallots the same way?

Yes. Use the same maturity signs and lift them carefully.

When do you harvest ‘Zebrune’ shallots?

Usually during summer, when the foliage naturally yellows and falls over.

When do you harvest ‘Longor’ shallots?

Generally during summer, depending on planting date and growing conditions.

Is it better to harvest shallots in dry weather?

Dry weather makes harvesting and curing easier, but mature bulbs shouldn’t be left indefinitely in persistently wet ground.

Can shallots be left in the ground after the leaves die?

They may remain for a short period in suitable conditions, but there’s little benefit to leaving mature bulbs in wet soil.

Can you harvest shallots too early?

Yes. Immature bulbs may be smaller and less suitable for storage.

Can you harvest shallots too late?

Yes. Delayed harvesting in wet conditions can increase the risk of deterioration.

Should you wash harvested shallots?

Avoid washing bulbs intended for long storage. Brush away loose soil instead.

How long should shallots dry before storage?

Often around two weeks in favourable conditions, but check that the foliage, necks and outer skins are fully dry.

Can you dry shallots in a greenhouse?

Yes, if the greenhouse is dry, well ventilated and doesn’t become excessively hot.

Can you dry shallots in a shed?

Yes. A dry, airy shed can be an excellent place for curing.

How long can harvested shallots be stored?

Healthy, properly cured shallots commonly store for at least six to eight months under suitable conditions.

Can you save shallots for planting next year?

Yes. Healthy bulbs from suitable traditional multiplying varieties can sometimes be saved as sets.

Why are my shallots yellow before July?

Drought, waterlogging, disease or other growing problems can cause premature yellowing.

Can you eat small harvested shallots?

Yes, provided they’re healthy. Smaller bulbs are useful in cooking.

What should you plant after harvesting shallots?

Suitable seasonal salad leaves, radishes, spinach or other non-allium crops may be good options.

Final Thoughts: Knowing When Your Shallots Are Ready

Knowing when to harvest shallots is one of the most useful skills you can develop as an allotment gardener.

And the best thing is that you don’t need complicated equipment or a particular date marked on the calendar.

Your shallot plants give you clear signs as they approach maturity.

Watch for the leaves gradually turning yellow.

Look for the foliage naturally falling over.

And check that the bulbs underneath have developed properly.

For most UK gardeners, shallot harvesting takes place during July and August, although some autumn-planted varieties may be ready earlier.

When the crop has matured, choose a suitable opportunity to harvest.

Use a garden fork to loosen the soil and lift the bulbs carefully.

Traditional multiplying shallots may have formed lovely clusters containing several bulbs from each planted set.

That’s one of the reasons I enjoy growing shallots so much.

After months of watching those green leaves develop, you finally get to see what has been growing beneath the soil.

But remember that harvesting is only part of the process.

If you want to keep your shallots for months, they must be dried thoroughly.

Spread the bulbs in a single layer, allow plenty of air to circulate and protect them from wet weather.

Once their skins and necks are completely dry, store the healthiest bulbs somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.

And if you’ve grown particularly good traditional shallots, you may even be able to save a few healthy bulbs for the following planting season.

Whether you’re harvesting a small container, a raised bed or an entire allotment row, enjoy the results of all your hard work.

There’s nothing quite like using vegetables you’ve grown yourself.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!