No machine-readable author provided. Charles P. assumed (based on copyright claims). / Public domain
garden
Shallot
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Edible
Edible Partsbulb
Overview
The gourmet onion of French cuisine, shallots have a sweet, complex, wine-like flavor that is less harsh than common onions. They grow in clusters of elongated bulbs, multiplying underground like garlic. Shallots are the foundation of countless French sauces, vinaigrettes, and mignonettes, and their subtle flavor allows them to be used raw where onions would be too strong.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones4 — 10
Height0.4m
Spread0.15m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanPerennial
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, loose, fertile soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Plant sets in fall; mulch before freeze |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Aug | Harvest when tops yellow and fall over; cure 2 weeks |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Plant sets in fall; can also plant spring |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Spring planting alternative; smaller bulbs |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Harvest when tops fall; cure in dry shade |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Plant sets in fall for largest bulbs |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Jul | Harvest when foliage dies back |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Plant sets fall through early winter |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Harvest when tops yellow |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Nov — Jan (wraps) | Plant in late fall; short-day varieties best |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Apr — May | Harvest in spring |
Uses
Culinary
- Foundation of French sauces (béarnaise, beurre blanc)
- Minced raw in mignonette sauce and vinaigrettes
- Caramelized or roasted whole as a side dish
Medicinal
- Allicin compounds support cardiovascular health
- Rich in quercetin with anti-inflammatory properties
- Good source of vitamin B6 and manganese
Other Uses
- Multiplying bulbs — each planted shallot produces a cluster
