Growing shallot greens is one of the easiest and most rewarding gardening experiences I’ve had in my backyard. If you’re someone who enjoys flavorful, onion-like greens that can be harvested early and often, then shallot greens deserve a spot in your garden. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to grow and care for shallot greens—from planting and watering to harvesting and cooking.
What Are Shallot Greens?
Shallot greens are the tender, edible green tops of the shallot plant (Allium cepa var. aggregatum), which is part of the allium family alongside onions, garlic, and leeks. While shallots are typically grown for their bulbs, their leafy tops—often called “shallot scallions” or “shallot shoots”—are packed with a mild onion-garlic flavor and can be harvested much earlier than the bulb. As a backyard gardener, I often grow shallots specifically for these greens because they’re incredibly versatile in the kitchen and regrow quickly after cutting.
Shallot greens are similar in appearance and use to green onions or chives, but they offer a more complex flavor. They’re perfect for stir-fries, omelets, soups, and garnishes. Plus, they’re a great way to get a fast harvest while waiting for the bulbs to mature underground.
Choosing the Right Shallot Variety
When learning how to grow and care for shallot greens, the first step is choosing the right variety. There are two primary ways to start growing shallots: from seed or from sets (small shallot bulbs). For greens, I’ve had the best results using shallot sets because they grow faster and more reliably.
Look for varieties such as:
- French Gray Shallots – prized for their rich flavor and vigorous green growth.
- Dutch Red Shallots – known for producing broad, tender green tops.
- Zebrune (Banana Shallot) – a hybrid variety that produces excellent greens and large bulbs.
You can buy these from local nurseries or trusted online seed suppliers such as Johnny’s Selected Seeds or Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.
Preparing the Soil for Shallot Greens
Like most alliums, shallots prefer well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Before planting, I always take the time to loosen the top 6–8 inches of soil and mix in compost or aged manure to improve fertility. Shallots thrive in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
If you’re growing in raised beds or containers (a great option for small spaces), ensure your mix contains compost, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite for good drainage. Shallots dislike soggy roots, so well-aerated soil is key to preventing rot and encouraging healthy green growth.
To further boost your soil’s fertility, consider adding:
- A handful of bone meal for phosphorus
- A sprinkle of kelp meal for micronutrients
- Balanced organic fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar)
I also recommend rotating your shallots each season to avoid allium-specific diseases and pests that can linger in the soil.
Planting Shallot Greens in Your Backyard Garden
When it comes to planting, timing is everything. Shallots can be planted in early spring as soon as the soil is workable or in late fall in milder climates. For greens, the earlier the better, since you’ll be harvesting the tops.
How to Plant Shallots for Greens:
- Spacing: Plant the bulbs (sets) about 6 inches apart, with rows spaced 12 inches apart. If growing solely for greens, you can space them closer—about 3 inches apart.
- Depth: Plant each bulb with the pointy end up, just below the surface of the soil (about 1 inch deep).
- Sunlight: Choose a sunny location. Shallot greens need at least 6 hours of full sun per day.
- Watering: Water deeply after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
If you’re growing indoors or in pots, make sure your container is at least 6 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate multiple bulbs.
Watering and Fertilizing Shallot Greens
Watering is one of the most important aspects of how to grow and care for shallot greens. These plants don’t like to dry out completely, especially when they’re actively producing greens.
Watering Tips:
- Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season.
- Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
Fertilizing:
Shallot greens benefit from a steady supply of nitrogen, which supports lush leaf growth. I use a fish emulsion or seaweed extract every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can side-dress with composted chicken manure or a slow-release organic fertilizer.
Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers meant for flowering plants—those won’t encourage leafy growth.
Dealing With Pests and Diseases
Fortunately, shallot greens are relatively pest-resistant. However, as a backyard gardener, I’ve learned to keep an eye out for a few common issues:
Common Pests:
- Onion thrips: Tiny insects that suck sap from leaves. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Leaf miners: Larvae that tunnel into leaves. Remove affected leaves promptly.
- Slugs and snails: Attracted to tender greens. Use beer traps or crushed eggshell barriers.
Common Diseases:
- Downy mildew: Causes yellow streaks on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- White rot: A fungal disease that affects the base. Rotate crops and avoid replanting alliums in the same spot for at least 3 years.
Proactive measures like crop rotation, companion planting with carrots or lettuce, and maintaining clean garden beds go a long way in preventing problems.
Harvesting and Using Shallot Greens
One of the best parts of learning how to grow and care for shallot greens is how quickly you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Shallot greens can be harvested within 30–45 days after planting, well before the bulbs are mature.
How to Harvest:
- Use sharp scissors to snip the green tops 2–3 inches above the soil line.
- Leave at least one-third of the green shoots intact so the plant can continue growing.
- You can harvest continually throughout the season as long as the plants are healthy.
Culinary Uses:
Shallot greens have a sweet, mild flavor that’s somewhere between garlic and onion. Here are a few ways I love using them:
- Sautéed in olive oil as a side dish
- Chopped into egg dishes, like omelets or frittatas
- Tossed into stir-fries and noodle dishes
- Mixed into salads or grain bowls
- Blended into herb butters or dips
Store fresh-cut greens in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Regrowing Shallot Greens from Kitchen Scraps
Want a zero-waste garden project? You can regrow shallot greens from leftover shallot ends in your kitchen.
How to Regrow:
- Save the root end of the shallot with about ½ inch of bulb attached.
- Place it root-down in a shallow dish of water and set it in a sunny window.
- Change the water every 2 days.
- Once green shoots appear (usually within a week), transplant into soil.
This is a fun, sustainable way to keep fresh greens growing year-round, even indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat the greens of shallots?
Yes, you can eat the greens of shallots. They have a mild onion-garlic flavor and are great in salads, stir-fries, and soups. Harvest them like chives or scallions, and they’ll often regrow, providing multiple harvests throughout the growing season.
How long does it take for shallots to grow?
Shallots typically take 90 to 120 days to reach full bulb maturity, depending on the variety and growing conditions. However, you can start harvesting the green tops (shallot greens) within 30 to 45 days after planting, especially if you’re growing them specifically for their foliage.
Why do chefs use shallots instead of onions?
Chefs often prefer shallots over onions for their delicate, nuanced flavor. Shallots offer a subtle combination of garlic and onion notes, making them ideal for gourmet dishes, dressings, sauces, and vinaigrettes where a milder, more refined taste is desired without overpowering other ingredients.
Which is stronger green onions or shallots?
Shallots are generally stronger in flavor than green onions. While green onions have a crisp, fresh, mildly pungent taste, shallots have a richer, more complex flavor with hints of garlic. However, the intensity can vary based on whether you’re using the greens or bulbs.
How many shallots do you get from one plant?
Each shallot plant can produce 4 to 12 new bulbs, depending on the variety and growing conditions. When planted from sets, one bulb typically multiplies underground, forming a cluster of several mature shallots by harvest time. Proper spacing and care increase your yield.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Growing Shallot Greens
Learning how to grow and care for shallot greens has made me appreciate just how versatile and low-maintenance this crop really is. Whether you’re looking for a quick green for the kitchen, a way to get more from your shallot harvest, or a beginner-friendly garden project, shallot greens are a perfect choice.
They’re resilient, regrow quickly after cutting, and elevate your meals with their savory flavor. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about walking out to your backyard and harvesting something you grew with your own hands.
Happy gardening—and may your shallots be ever green!
You Can Also Read:
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How Long Does Onion Take to Grow from Seed?
References:
- University of Illinois Extension – Growing Onions and Shallots
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds – Shallot Growing Guide
- Oregon State University Extension – Growing Onions and Their Relatives
- Royal Horticultural Society – How to Grow Shallots
