Q&A for How to Plant Shallots

One major difference is that shallots grow in clusters, similar to garlic. Their taste also differs from normal onions—shallots are a little sweeter.

Shallots are of the perennial type of onion, which means they should grow back each year.

The ideal distance between plants is 4-6 inches, so plant your shallots that far apart.

Although they can grow in partial shade, the shallot does best in full sun.

In Zone 8, you'll generally want to plant either in mid-November or mid-March.

You have a couple of choices. You can replant in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. If you replant in the spring, you'll want to wait until about two weeks after the first frost.

A single shallot bulb will typically produce a cluster that contains at least two or three cloves, but sometimes you can have as many as five to 10. The exact size and quantity of the cluster will depend on many factors. Things to consider include the type of bulb you planted, the soil conditions, and whether the bulb underwent vernalization.

Yes, you can grow shallots in pots. Make sure you use well-draining soil. Plant the shallots about two inches (five cm) apart, and water them when the soil dries out. If you want to transplant them, do so before the roots become fully established in the pot.

Yes, these can be planted in rich, moist, well-drained soil to grow.

The two main reasons for shallots remaining small are a lack of sufficient sunlight and/or lack of proper fertilization. Shallots grow best in weed-free composted soil.

Wait until fall; the taste will be impacted by the late start.

Shallots require a lot of nitrogen. Give plants a supplemental feeding of liquid fish emulsion or other fertilizer about 3 weeks after planting; continue to fertilize every 3-4 weeks thereafter. Stop feeding once the necks start feeling soft, about 4 weeks before harvest.