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Red Baron Shallots

Allium cepa var. aggregatum 'Red Baron'

A premium French-type shallot with beautiful reddish-purple skin and crisp white flesh tinged with purple rings that adds both flavor and visual appeal to any dish. These elongated bulbs multiply underground to produce clusters of 6-8 shallots per plant, offering exceptional value and storage life. Their complex, wine-like flavor is more refined than onions, making them a favorite among gourmet cooks and essential for French cuisine.

Harvest

90-120d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

5–10

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-18 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Red Baron Shallots in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Red Baron Shallots · Zones 5–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing4-6 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

WaterModerate, consistent moisture during growing season

SeasonCool season

FlavorComplex, sweet, and pungent with wine-like undertones

ColorReddish-purple skin with white flesh and purple rings

Size2-3 inches long, 6-8 bulbs per cluster

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	August – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	August – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	July – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	July – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	July – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	June – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	May – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	May – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Flowers wither and convert to bulblets

Type: Capsule.

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Cure freshly harvested Red Baron shallots in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks until outer skins become papery and necks are completely dry. Once cured, separate individual bulbs and trim roots and tops to 1 inch.

Store in mesh bags or braided strings in a cool (32-40°F), dry location with good air circulation. Properly cured Red Baron shallots keep 6-8 months under ideal conditions. Check stored bulbs monthly and remove any showing soft spots or sprouting.

For preservation, slice and dehydrate shallots for seasoning blends, or freeze chopped shallots in ice cube trays with oil for easy portioning. You can also pickle whole small bulbs in vinegar with herbs for gourmet condiments. Avoid refrigerating fresh whole shallots as humidity causes sprouting and deterioration.

History & Origin

Red Baron shallots represent the classic French échalote tradition that has defined European cuisine for centuries. Shallots originated in Central Asia and were cultivated by ancient civilizations, but the distinct purple-skinned French varieties like Red Baron were developed through centuries of selection in France's Loire Valley and surrounding regions.

The modern Red Baron variety was bred to combine the traditional complex flavor profile of heirloom French shallots with improved storage characteristics and disease resistance. French shallots became prized in haute cuisine because their layered, wine-like flavor develops complexity when cooked that regular onions cannot match.

This variety preserves the elongated bulb shape and distinctive purple-red coloration that made French shallots legendary among European chefs. The name 'Red Baron' likely references both the characteristic deep red-purple skin color and the variety's aristocratic culinary reputation. Today's Red Baron maintains the authentic flavor profile that has made French shallots essential in classical French cooking for over 300 years.

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Rabbits

Considerations

-Toxic: Low severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Carrots

Shallots repel carrot flies while carrots help break up soil for shallot bulb development

Tomatoes

Shallots deter aphids, spider mites, and nematodes that commonly attack tomatoes

Lettuce

Shallots repel aphids and slugs while lettuce provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Cabbage

Shallots deter cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, and flea beetles from brassicas

Strawberries

Shallots repel slugs, snails, and aphids that damage strawberry plants and fruit

Peppers

Shallots help repel aphids and spider mites while peppers don't compete for nutrients

Parsley

Both plants have similar growing requirements and parsley attracts beneficial insects

Spinach

Shallots deter leaf miners and aphids while spinach provides living mulch

Keep Apart

Beans

Nitrogen fixation by beans can cause excessive leaf growth in shallots at expense of bulb development

Peas

Like beans, peas add too much nitrogen which promotes foliage over bulb formation

Asparagus

Both are perennial alliums that compete for similar soil nutrients and growing space

Nutrition Facts

Calories

72kcal(4%)

Protein

2.5g(5%)

Fiber

3.2g(11%)

Carbs

16.8g(6%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

8mg(9%)

Vitamin A

0mcg(0%)

Vitamin K

0.8mcg(1%)

Iron

1.2mg(7%)

Calcium

37mg(3%)

Potassium

334mg(7%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170499)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to common allium diseases

Common Pests

Onion thrips, onion fly maggots

Diseases

Downy mildew, neck rot, white rot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Red Baron shallots take to grow from planting to harvest?▼

Red Baron shallots typically take 90-120 days from planting sets to harvest. Spring plantings are usually ready by mid to late summer when tops begin yellowing and falling over. The exact timing depends on your climate, planting date, and growing conditions. Warmer climates may see faster development, while cooler regions may take the full 120 days.

Can you grow Red Baron shallots in containers?▼

Yes, Red Baron shallots grow well in containers at least 8-10 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Use well-draining potting mix and space bulbs 3-4 inches apart. Container growing actually provides better drainage control, which shallots prefer. Choose containers with drainage holes and avoid overwatering, especially as harvest approaches. Each container can typically hold 6-9 shallot bulbs.

What's the difference between Red Baron shallots and regular onions?▼

Red Baron shallots have a more complex, refined flavor with wine-like undertones compared to onions' sharper bite. They're milder when raw and develop deeper sweetness when cooked. Structurally, shallots grow in clusters of multiple bulbs from each planted set, while onions typically form single bulbs. Shallots also store longer and have the distinctive purple-red papery skin with purple-tinged flesh.

When should I plant Red Baron shallot bulbs?▼

Plant Red Baron shallots in early spring, 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost when soil temperatures reach 35-40°F. In zones 6-9, you can also plant in fall for earlier summer harvest. The key is planting when soil is workable but still cool, as shallots need a cold period for proper bulb development. Avoid planting in frozen or waterlogged soil.

Are Red Baron shallots good for beginner gardeners?▼

Red Baron shallots are considered moderately difficult and better suited for gardeners with some experience. They require specific soil drainage, proper planting depth, careful watering management, and precise harvest timing. Beginners often struggle with the curing process and storage requirements. Start with easier alliums like onions or garlic before attempting shallots if you're new to gardening.

How do you know when Red Baron shallots are ready to harvest?▼

Harvest when 50-75% of the green tops have yellowed and fallen over naturally, typically 90-120 days after planting. The bulbs should feel firm when gently squeezed and resist pulling when tugged. The papery outer skin should be well-developed and show the characteristic reddish-purple color. Don't wait for all tops to die completely, as this can lead to bulb deterioration.