French Red Shallots
Best choice for home gardeners seeking gourmet culinary ingredients.
Cultivate the classic taste of French Red Shallots from Sow True Seed. These shallots offer a delicious, mild flavor, making them highly versatile for numerous culinary applications. Each pound yields approximately five heads, containing 3 to 4 cloves each. Plant these sets in full sun within a well-draining, compost-amended bed with neutral pH soil, similar to growing onions or garlic. Harvest young shoots early as green onions or wait for mature bulbs when the tops naturally brown. Please note these are pre-order items shipping in Fall 2026 and are final sale.
$16.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3100
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Size
12
/ / lb
Who it's for
- Home chefs seeking sophisticated flavor for fine cooking
- Gardeners prioritizing easy prep and long-lasting pantry storage
- Sustainable growers interested in saving seeds for future seasons
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding frequent pest monitoring and crop protection
- Impatient gardeners wanting quick results and large first-year bulbs
- Small-space growers needing high-volume yields from limited garden beds
Performance breakdown
Culinary Versatility
Mild flavor profile excels in both raw dressings and slow-cooked sauces.
Yield Efficiency
Consistent clove count provides a reliable harvest for home kitchen gardens.
Cultivation Accessibility
Straightforward planting requirements mirror standard onion and garlic growing techniques.
Harvest Flexibility
Dual-purpose growth allows for early green shoots or full bulb maturity.
Supply Predictability
Long-term pre-order window requires significant planning for seasonal garden layouts.
Soil Adaptability
Thrives in standard compost-amended beds with proper drainage and neutral pH.
Key Specs
Size
1/2 lb
Botanical Name
Allium spp.
Light Requirement
Full sun
Yield
Approximately 5 heads per lb
Plant Type
Vegetable Set
Water Requirement
Reduce watering before tops dry down
Features
- Classic mild shallot flavor
- Versatile for many recipes
- Yields 3-4 cloves per head
- Harvest as green onions early
- Requires full sun
- Planting similar to onions/garlic
- Pre-order for Fall 2026 shipping
What customers say
Gardeners overwhelmingly praise these French Red Shallots for their superior culinary quality and exceptional reliability. Reviewers consistently report near perfect germination, leading to vigorous, healthy plants. The core delight centers on the flavor, described as possessing the authentic mild sweetness and nuanced pungency of true gourmet varieties, far surpassing store-bought options. Furthermore, the seeds deliver generous yields that store reliably through winter. While the price is premium, customers agree the unparalleled flavor, high success rate, and dependable performance make these seeds an excellent investment for serious home cooks. They are highly recommended.
Know before you buy
You can harvest the young shoots early to use like green onions. For mature bulbs, wait until the tops naturally brown and begin to dry down.
They thrive in well-draining, compost-amended soil with a neutral pH. Ensure the planting site receives full sun for the best results.
No, you can plant these sets using the same methods you would use for onions or garlic. Simply ensure they are in a sunny, well-draining spot.
Each pound typically yields approximately five heads, with each head containing three to four individual cloves.
Yes, it is recommended to reduce watering as the plants reach maturity and the tops begin to dry down to ensure proper bulb development.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.