When to Plant Onions and Shallots?

The right planting time for onions and shallots is crucial for a good harvest. While both crops are very similar, they have different needs and ideal planting periods. By taking the season, temperature, and soil conditions into account, you increase the chances of firm, healthy bulbs.

When is the best time to plant onions?

Onions can be planted in both spring and fall, depending on the type and your goal. Most home gardeners choose to plant onions in spring because it's easy and reliable.

• Spring planting: usually from late February to April , as soon as the ground is workable and no longer frozen through.
• Autumn planting: Special winter onions can be planted from September to November , so you can harvest extra early the following year.

Be sure to adjust the planting date to your local climate. In mild climates, you can start earlier; in colder areas, it's better to wait until the risk of prolonged frost is less.

What temperature is ideal for planting onions?

Onions don't like extreme cold or wet, cold soil when planting. Follow these guidelines:

• Soil temperature: ideally at least 5–7 °C for spring planting.
• Air temperature: Cool conditions of 5–15 °C are fine in the early stages.
• Avoid: persistent frost, waterlogged soil and heavy frost periods immediately after planting.

Cold, waterlogged soil causes rot and poor root formation. It's better to wait a few weeks longer than to plant too early in poor conditions.

How do you determine the right period for planting onions?

You can refine your planting time by paying attention to these points:

• Weather forecast: Expect a few dry days and no severe night frost.
• Soil condition: The soil should not stick to your shovel and should be crumbly.
• Region: On the coast you can often start earlier than inland or in higher areas.
• Cultivation goal: do you want an early harvest (choose winter onions if possible) or longer storage (spring onions)?

When is the best time to plant shallots?

Shallots are closely related to onions, but are usually planted a little earlier and under cooler conditions. Shallots are almost always grown from seed shallots (small bulbs).

• Spring planting: from February to April , when the ground is no longer soaking wet or frozen.
• Fall planting: In mild climates you can sometimes plant in October–November for an early harvest the following year.

Shallots tolerate cool weather well, but prolonged, hard frost shortly after planting increases the risk of failure.

What conditions are ideal for planting shallots?

For shallots, soil and moisture balance are particularly important:

• Soil temperature: 5 °C and above is sufficient, ample for most other crops.
• Location: sunny to partial shade, but preferably as much sun as possible.
• Soil: well-drained, light and not too heavily fertilized with nitrogen.
• Moisture: slightly moist, but definitely not soggy.

How can you tell if the soil is ready for onions and shallots?

The soil is suitable for planting as:

• you can easily get into the ground with a spade without large wet clods,
• the soil falls apart easily in your hand when you knead it and does not remain as a sticky ball,
• there are no puddles of stagnant water on the plot,
• you can walk over it with boots without sinking in deeply or pulling up a lot of mud.

How do you plant onions and shallots at the right time?

The right planting time is key if you also plant correctly. When planting, consider the following:

• Onion planting depth: plant onions so that the top is just above the ground or level with the surface.
• Shallot planting depth: slightly shallower, the bulb may still be partially visible.
• Distance: approximately 10 cm between the bulbs in the row and 25–30 cm between the rows.
• Press: Lightly press the soil around the bulb to ensure good contact with the ground.

What are the differences in planting time between onions and shallots?

Although the periods overlap, there are subtle differences:

• Shallots: are often planted a little earlier in the spring, because they tolerate cool weather well and grow a little more slowly.
• Onions: winter onions can be planted in the ground as early as autumn, but for storage and summer onions, you usually start in early spring.
• Frost sensitivity: Both tolerate light frost, but young plants and freshly planted bulbs are more sensitive to severe frost.

How do you deal with frost around planting time?

A little night frost is usually not a problem for onion and shallot crops, but keep these points in mind:

• Do not plant just before predicted severe frost (well below 0°C for several nights in a row).
• If necessary, cover with fleece or straw if a cold spell is forecast.
• It is better to plant a little later in better soil than too early in cold, soaking wet soil.

When can you harvest onions and shallots after planting?

The chosen planting time also largely determines your harvest time:

• Spring-planted onions: usually harvest July to September , once the foliage starts to die back and bend over.
• Winter onions (autumn planted): early harvest in May–June , smaller but available more quickly.
• Shallot: usually harvested July–August , when the foliage has largely died back.

What tips help with choosing the right planting time for onions and shallots?

In summary, you can pay attention to the following to determine your planting time:

• Choose a period when the soil is workable, not too wet and not frozen .
• Plan to harvest onions in early spring or in the autumn for winter varieties.
• Plant shallots in a cool, early spring period , as soon as the soil permits.
• Take your local climate into account and, if necessary, move a few weeks earlier or later.
• Avoid planting times just before sustained, severe frost or prolonged rain .

With a well-chosen planting time and the right conditions, onions and shallots lay a strong foundation for a rich harvest later in the season.