Shallot
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Botanical family: Alliaceae
Allium cepa var. aggregatum, a close relative of the onion: its bulb divides each year into several bulbs, which are replanted to propagate it. Sources: Plants For A Future, “Allium cepa aggregatum”; Tela Botanica, “Allium cepa L.” (Coste's flora).
Full sun
Light, drained, without fresh manure
Low, excess moisture rots the bulbs
Hardy: autumn planting (grey shallot) or late winter
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A small allium that multiplies by bulbs in a clump (one planted bulb gives several). Like garlic and onion, its sulphur compounds are traditionally reputed to hinder certain pests and fungi nearby, a moderate effect, to be checked. Easy to grow and long-keeping: a keeping condiment-vegetable par excellence.
Good companions
Traditional companion planting (benefit not demonstrated)
Poor companions
Traditional avoidance (antagonism not demonstrated)
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Lifted in summer, in July and August, it keeps all year as a storage vegetable.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Shallots » (rhs.org.uk/vegetables/shallots/grow-your-own)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Cultiver l'échalote : guide complet de plantation et récolte » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-des-echalotes)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Like the other alliums, its sulphur compounds can bother sensitive stomachs when raw.
Family behaviour: Alliaceae
In general, Alliaceae form sulphur-rich bulbs (garlic, onion, leek, chives, shallot). Their smell is reputed to confuse some pests; the effect has been measured against the carrot fly while the onion is young (Uvah and Coaker, 1984).
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.