Shallots are a “fancy onion”, that adds a great mild flavor to many dishes. Growing shallots couldn’t be easier, these productive plants will make a great addition to your backyard garden.
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Shallots are highly prized for gourmet cooking. Their mild flavor adds to any dish. They finish off the taste of many dishes where garlic or onions would make the dish too strong. Someone described them to me the other day as a “sneaky” onion. If you have picky kids like ours they usually see onions in a dish and balk. One of our kids will pick out every onion in the dish if she eats it at all. You can “sneak” shallots into a dish that picky eaters won’t eat because they disappear when you cook them.
Growing Shallots couldn’t be easier. In fact, if you give them the right growing conditions they will pretty much take care of themselves.
Shallots are a gourmet type of onion cherished for their delicate flavor. If you live in zone 7 and want to add these tasty alliums to your garden, you may be wondering – when is the ideal time to plant shallots? This complete growing guide covers everything you need to know about shallots in zone 7, including when and how to plant for the best harvest.
An Overview of Shallots
Shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum or A cepa Aggregatum Group) are considered a variety of onion But unlike regular bulbing onions, shallots grow in clusters of smaller oval bulbs with coppery skin and mild tasting white flesh.
Shallots offer a more subtle, nuanced flavor than onions. The French gray type are considered the true gourmet shallots prized by chefs. But there are also variations like red, yellow, or pink-skinned shallots
In the garden shallots are propagated by planting “bulblets” from the previous season’s mature bulbs. They are easier to grow than onions from seed. Just one bulblet can multiply into a whole cluster.
When is the Best Time to Plant Shallots in Zone 7?
Timing shallot planting properly is key to good growth and maximum yields. Here in zone 7, there is a definite optimal window:
Fall Planting
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October to November – This is the ideal planting time for shallots in zone 7 gardens. Shoot for late October through early November if weather permits.
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After first frost – Wait until after the first light autumn frost which helps spur bulblet growth.
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Before ground freezes – Get bulblets in the ground before it freezes hard. This gives roots time to establish before winter dormancy.
Fall planting is preferred because the cooling weather and decreasing daylength help signal the shallots to start growing roots and shooting up leafy tops.
Overwintering gives them a head start on growth when spring arrives. They will mature faster and yield more than spring planting.
Spring Planting
If you miss the fall window, shallots can still be planted in:
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February to March – In zone 7, you can plant shallot bulblets as soon as the soil thaws and can be worked in late winter.
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4-6 weeks before last frost – Time spring planting about a month before your zone’s average final frost date.
Spring-planted shallots will still grow nicely. But they get a later start so bulbs may be smaller at harvest time. Flavor won’t be quite as rich either.
How to Plant Shallots in Zone 7 Gardens
Once you know the ideal planting time, here are the steps for planting shallot bulblets:
Pick a sunny, well-draining spot
Shallots need full sun (at least 6 hours) and fertile soil. Ensure good drainage by planting in raised beds or on ridges if your soil gets heavy.
Prepare soil
Work compost or aged manure into soil to enrich it with nutrients. Loosened soil helps bulblets establish roots.
Select large, robust bulblets
Sort through your shallot harvest and pick out the biggest, healthiest bulblets to replant. Smaller ones may not grow well.
Plant bulblets 4-6 inches apart
Space bulblets adequately so they have room to multiply into clusters underground.
Plant bulblets 2-3 inches deep
Place bulblets into trenches or holes with tips just barely sticking up. Add a bit of rooting hormone powder to help stimulate growth.
Cover with mulch (fall planting)
After planting in fall, add a light mulch layer to insulate plants once ground freezes. Remove in spring.
That’s all there is to it! Keep soil moist and weed/pest free. Let clusters grow until foliage yellows and falls over, about 100-120 days after planting.
Growing Shallots in Zone 7: Seasonal Care Tips
To keep shallots growing strong in zone 7, follow these tips:
Fall Care
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Mulch newly planted bulblets to protect from frost heave.
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Monitor soil moisture; water during dry spells so roots establish well before winter.
Winter Care
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Add extra mulch once ground freezes to insulate plants.
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Check that mulch hasn’t compressed or blown away exposing plants.
Spring Care
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Remove any remaining winter mulch to allow sunlight and airflow.
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Weed carefully around shallow shallot roots.
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Water when top inch of soil dries out. About 1” of water per week.
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Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer to fuel growth.
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Cut off any flower stalks that emerge to direct energy to bulbs.
Summer Care
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Control weeds & pests like onion maggots.
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Stop watering when foliage starts yellowing.
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When 2/3 of leaves are yellowed, bulbs are ready for harvest!
Harvesting and Storing Shallots
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When foliage dies back, gently dig under clusters using a garden fork.
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Allow clusters to dry in a shady, well-ventilated area for 2+ weeks.
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Separate individual shallot bulbs from clusters and store in mesh bags.
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Save the largest, healthiest bulbs to use as bulblets for fall replanting.
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Store cured bulbs in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cellar.
Properly cured shallots will keep for months! Use up smaller bulbs first, as they have shorter shelf life. With the right timing and care, zone 7 gardens can grow a bountiful shallot crop to enjoy from summer through winter.
Troubleshooting Common Shallot Problems
While shallots are generally easy going, you may encounter a few potential issues:
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Rotting bulbs – Plant in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering.
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Small bulbs – Plant in fall for best size. Fertilize regularly and control pests.
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Few bulbs per cluster – Choose largest bulblets for planting.
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Falling over – Stake plants if needed.
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Pests – Control maggots, mites, and other onion pests.
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Flowering stalks – Cut off any flowers to direct energy to bulbing.
With attentive care and proper timing, you can avoid many problems and enjoy a bountiful shallot harvest.
How to Use Your Fresh Shallot Harvest
Once cured, shallots are ready to add their mellow sweetness to all sorts of savory dishes:
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Saute with olive oil and herbs as a topping for chicken, fish, or veggies.
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Roast or grill whole shallot bulbs for a caramelized flavor burst.
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Add minced shallots to dressings, compound butters, soups, stews, and sauces.
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Pair raw thin slices with cured meats and cheeses on a charcuterie board.
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Pickle sliced shallots in vinegar for a tangy sandwich or burger topper.
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Deep fry sliced shallots into crisp garnish or snack chips.
The culinary possibilities are endless! Shallots grace everything from gourmet restaurant cuisine to home cooked meals.
The Best Shallot Varieties for Zone 7 Gardens
There are many shallot varieties to choose from. Look for these top picks for zone 7:
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French Gray – The classic gourmet shallot. Large bulbs with gray skin and sublime flavor.
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Red Sun – Brilliant red bulbs. Slightly sweeter taste. Good keeper.
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Golden Gourmet – Bright yellow bulbs with mild, crisp flesh. Good yields.
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Picasso – Uniquely streaked red-and-white bulbs. Mildly pungent.
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Prisma – Elongated yellow-skinned bulbs. Very easy to grow and peel.
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Conservor – Vigorous French heirloom. Exceptional rich flavor.
Experiment to see which shallot varieties perform best and suit your tastes in zone 7!
Final Thoughts on Growing Shallots in Zone 7
With the right planting time and care, shallots are a simple and rewarding crop for zone 7 gardens. Their gourmet quality and long storage life make them a smart investment. A few bulblets can multiply into plenty of shallots to enjoy through the seasons.
Aim to get bulblets in the ground from late October to early November after the first fall frost. This overwintering gives them a robust head start on growth when warmer weather returns.
Provide enriched soil, consistent moisture, and protection from pests. Harvest when foliage turns yellow and falls. Then cure, store, and savor your homegrown shallot bounty!
Soil Conditions for Growing Shallots
Growing shallots prefer rich well-drained soil. Put a lot of compost into your soil if it holds a lot of water. This will help the soil drain. Overly moist soil is the enemy of shallots. If your soil is too moist the shallots may rot in the ground.
If it rains a lot in the winter where you live, you might want to build a ridge of soil and plant the shallots on top of it. This will give the water a chance to drain away from your shallot bulbs.
In Zones 5 and warmer you will plant your shallots from sets (bulbs) after your first fall frost. You can just plan on planting your shallots the same time you plant your garlic. For us here in Zone 5/6 Utah that means planting around the 15th of October. You might want to wait and plant them in the spring after the ground thaws if you live in Zone 4 or a colder area.
Plant the bulbs about 6 inches apart and 2 or 3 inches deep. You plant the bulbs with the root break down and the pointed side up. You want the tip of the shallot to be just below the surface of the soil.
In colder zones, you will want to protect the shallots over the winter with a layer of straw. (Zones 5, 6 and maybe 7).
It’s time to grow shallots in Zone 7b, NC
FAQ
What is the best time to plant shallots?
How long does it take to grow shallots from bulbs?
When to plant shallot seeds in zone 6?
Can shallots be planted in summer?
How do you plant shallots in the fall?
Fall planting is best for warm regions like those in hardiness zones 7 through 10 since these areas have a long growing season. The way to grow shallots is to prepare the garden bed with organic matter and ensure it receives full sun. Make holes a half-inch deep and six to eight inches apart, with rows 12 inches apart.
How do shallots grow?
Shallots grow well in zones 3-10. Shallots prefer soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They do best in loose, well-drained, fertile earth. Shallots need full sun to partial shade. Put plants in the ground 2-3 weeks before the last frost date when temps are above 32°F.
When should I plant shallot seeds indoors?
Here is how and when to plant shallot seeds indoors to encourage germination. Early spring planting works best if you live in hardiness zones 3 through 6 or 7, and the best way to start shallots during this time is indoors.
When should I plant shallot bulbs?
Shallot bulbs can be planted in the late fall or early spring. Only where winters are extreme should a fall planting be avoided. In the early spring, plant sets or sow seeds from 2 to 4 weeks before your average last spring frost date.