How to Grow Shallot Onions

Obtain healthy shallot sets. Shallot sets are tiny bulbs planted individually. Purchasing shallot onion sets instead of seeds will save a lot of time so you can get right to gardening.

Choose a location in your garden or backyard that receives six to eight hours of continuous sunlight. At least two weeks before the predicted first frost, loosen the garden soil to a depth of 12 inches with a rotary tiller.

Incorporate a layer of 2 inches of aged manure or compost into the loosened soil with a shovel. Add a 10-10-10 fertilizer and mix well into the soil.

Dig planting holes, spaced 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep, using a garden trowel.

Place one shallot set, pointed end up, into each planting hole. Cover all shallot sets with the soil removed from the planting holes. Use your hands to push the soil down gently.

Water the shallot sets deeply. Continue to water the shallot onions two to three times a week or every time the top one to 2 inches of soil becomes slightly dry.

Harvest the shallots when the tops die back. Dig around the shallot and gently lift the entire plant out of the soil.

Remove the top foliage of the shallot plant with shears. Lay the bulbs on a screen to dry indoors or outside in a shady area until they are dry and the skin turns papery.