Shallot Seeds – Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Allium cepa var. aggregatum • Amaryllidaceae • Native to Mediterranean, SW Asia
Shallot Seeds aggregatum grow into mild, flavorful bulb-forming plants valued for their delicate onion-garlic taste. A useful choice for kitchen gardens, raised beds, containers, and fresh home cooking.
Plant Name: Shallot Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Shallot Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Shallots are highly sensitive to waterlogged soil, and consistently wet roots will rot bulbs quickly, so good drainage is non-negotiable whether you are growing in ground beds or containers.
Botanical profile
Meet the Shallot – Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Step-by-step planting
Growing shallots from seed takes patience and attention to a few key conditions, but the process is straightforward once you understand what these alliums actually need.
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1
Start Seeds Indoors
Sow shallot seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your last expected frost date, pressing them about 6mm deep into a fine, moist seed-starting mix in trays or small pots.
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2
Provide Warmth for Germination
Shallot germination is most reliable when soil temperature stays between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius, so use a heat mat if your space runs cool, and keep the medium consistently moist but never soggy.
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3
Thin and Strengthen Seedlings
Once seedlings reach about 5cm tall, thin them to one plant per cell or pot and move them under strong light, at least 14 to 16 hours daily, to prevent the spindly, weak growth that comes from low light.
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4
Harden Off Before Transplanting
A week or two before transplanting, set seedlings outside in a sheltered spot for increasing periods each day so they adjust gradually to outdoor sun, wind, and temperature swings.
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5
Prepare Soil and Plant Out
Choose a sunny bed with loose, well-draining soil amended with compost, and transplant seedlings spacing them 15 to 20cm apart in rows, setting them so the base sits just at soil level rather than buried deep.
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6
Water and Feed Consistently
Water steadily during active growth, aiming for even soil moisture at root depth, and apply a balanced fertiliser every three to four weeks until bulbs begin to swell and foliage starts to lean.
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7
Know When to Harvest
Shallot harvest time arrives when most of the foliage has fallen over and turned yellow, typically 100 to 120 days from transplant, at which point you should lift bulbs on a dry day and support them in a warm, airy spot for two to three weeks before storing.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Shallot Seeds – Allium cepa var. aggregatum
How long do shallot seeds take to germinate?
Shallot germination typically takes 7 to 14 days under good conditions, though cooler soil temperatures or inconsistent moisture can push that out to three weeks or more. Germination depends on a combination of factors including soil temperature, moisture levels, seed freshness, and the care taken in sowing, so results will naturally vary from one garden to the next. Keeping soil between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius and consistently damp, not wet, gives seeds the best start.
Can shallots be grown from seed instead of sets?
Yes, and many experienced growers prefer it because seeds open up access to a much wider range of varieties than sets typically allow. Growing from seed does require a longer lead time, usually starting indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost, but the plants are vigorous and the harvest can be just as generous. The key difference is patience in the early weeks while seedlings establish.
What is the best soil pH for growing shallots?
Shallots perform well in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, with 6.5 being a reliable middle ground that supports good nutrient availability. Soil that is too acidic or too alkaline can interfere with uptake of key nutrients and stunt bulb development. A simple pH test before planting lets you correct with lime or sulphur if your soil falls outside that range.
When should I start shallot seeds indoors?
Count back 10 to 12 weeks from your local last expected frost date, and that is your target sowing window. In most temperate climates this means starting seeds somewhere between late winter and early spring, often January through March in the Northern Hemisphere. Starting too late compresses the growing season and tends to result in smaller bulbs at harvest.
Are shallots safe for cats and dogs?
No, shallots are toxic to both cats and dogs, as are all members of the Allium family including onions, garlic, and chives. Ingestion can damage red blood cells and lead to a condition called hemolytic anaemia, which can be serious even in small amounts. If you have pets that roam your garden, it is worth fencing off or elevating your shallot beds as a precaution.
How deep should shallot seeds be sown?
Sow shallot seeds at a depth of approximately 6mm, which is roughly twice the diameter of the seed itself, a reliable rule of thumb for most fine allium seeds. Sowing too shallow can expose seeds to drying out, while burying them too deep slows or prevents emergence. Firm the surface gently after sowing to ensure good contact between seed and moist growing medium.
How many days until shallots are ready to harvest?
From transplant, most shallot varieties reach harvest in around 100 to 120 days, though this varies with variety, climate, and growing conditions. The clearest signal is not the calendar but the plant itself: when the majority of the foliage has fallen over and is yellowing off, bulbs have finished swelling and are ready to lift. Harvesting on a dry day and then curing bulbs in a warm, ventilated space for two to three weeks will significantly extend their storage life.