Dutch Red Shallot Sets - Planting Bulbs

Dutch Red Shallot Sets

Grow flavorful shallots from planting bulbs rather than seeds. Dutch Red shallots offer a sweet, savory flavor for vinaigrettes, sauces and roasted dishes. Each planted bulb can develop into a cluster of red-skinned shallots, bringing a useful kitchen staple to your vegetable garden.

This listing is for shallot sets intended for planting, not seeds. Choose from the available ¼ lb, 1 lb or 4 lb options. Bulb counts vary with bulb size.

Growing highlights

• Red-skinned shallots with a sweet, nuanced flavor
• Grown from sets for a bulb harvest
• Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil
• Suitable for storage after proper curing

When and where to plant

Plant in early spring as soon as the soil is workable and not waterlogged, typically 2–4 weeks before your last frost. Local conditions affect planting and harvest timing. Choose a sunny site with good drainage and a preferred soil pH of 6.2–6.8.

Planting the sets

Gently separate any connected bulbs without cutting into them or damaging their bases. Plant each individual bulb with the pointed end facing up and the tip just covered by soil. Space bulbs approximately 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, then water gently to settle the soil.

Care through the season

Maintain even moisture while plants are actively growing, adjusting watering to rainfall and soil conditions. Avoid standing water. Remove weeds carefully because young shallot shoots can resemble grass and their roots are easily disturbed.

Feed according to soil-test recommendations or the directions on a fertilizer suitable for bulb vegetables. Avoid excessive late-season nitrogen. Reduce watering as foliage begins to yellow and the bulbs mature.

Harvesting and curing

Harvest when most foliage has yellowed or withered and the bulb necks begin to dry. Lift clusters gently, brush away loose soil and avoid bruising the bulbs.

Cure in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated place until the skins and necks are thoroughly dry. Store sound bulbs in mesh bags or another ventilated container in a cool, dry, frost-free location. Check periodically and remove any softened or damaged bulbs.

Culinary uses

Use harvested shallots in dressings, pan sauces, soups, braises and roasted vegetables. Finely chopped shallots add savory flavor to vinaigrettes, while roasting brings out their sweetness. Use only healthy harvested bulbs for cooking; these sets are sold for planting.