Roots & bulbs
Shallots
Clusters of bulbs to lift when the tops yellow and fall.
Sowing & planting windows in Australia
Planting timing varies by broad Australian gardening zone. Local weather, unusual seasons and your garden’s microclimate can shift timing.
Cool
Plant sets / bulbs · Sep
Core months: September
Temperate
Plant sets / bulbs · Mar–May
Core months: March, April, May
Subtropical
Plant sets / bulbs · Mar–May
Core months: March, April, May
Tropical
Plant sets / bulbs · Mar–May
Core months: March, April, May
Arid
Plant sets / bulbs · Mar–May
Core months: March, April, May
Getting started
Plant firm sets with their tips just above the soil surface.
The right conditions
Choose full sun, fertile free-draining soil and reliable moisture.
As it grows
Water consistently while establishing, keep weeds down and provide support where the mature habit needs it. Watch for local pests and remove damaged growth.
Ready to harvest
Lift clusters after tops yellow and fall.
Related how-to guides
Cure and store onions and garlic
Check maturity before lifting: bulb onions naturally soften and fall at the neck; garlic is lifted as lower leaves yellow while some green leaves remain.
Plant guidance: Desk-reviewed; not field-tested. Planting windows are a guide rather than a rule.