tree onion, shallot
This is the original plant from which many varieties of onion, shallot and spring onion have been bred. It has hollow green or blue-green fleshy, deciduous leaves which are edible when young. The bulb will vary in size, shape, colour depending on the cultivar
0.1-0.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in fertile, moisture retentive, but well-drained soil in full sun. Thin-out young plants growing from seeds in spring. Yellowing and toppling of the foliage is a sign that the shallots are reaching maturity. Lift and store in a cool dry place. See how to grow: onions for further advice
Propagate by seed or by onion sets. See how to grow: onions or sowing vegetable seeds
No pruning required
May be susceptible to onion fly, leek moth and narcissus eelworm
May be susceptible to onion white rot, onion downy mildew, leek rust and onion neck rot. Bolting, producing flowers, may be a problem