French Grey Shallot Bulbs
French Grey Shallot Bulbs - Allium oschaninii - Griselle
Griselle
- Hardy to Zone 5
Full Sun
- Germination Tested Not tested
- 5-20 bulbs per packet
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Expected to restock in Fall 2025.
French Grey Shallots are THE shallot for chefs and foodies. They are smaller in size and don't store as long as other varieties, but they make up for that with an incredibly rich, umami flavour. The shallots are pear-shaped with thick, grayish copper skin and purple and white flesh. They store for about 3-4 months.
These bulbs will multiply over the winter to create a cluster of 3-12 bulbs. To harvest, pull up clusters when the tops have flopped over or died back. separate the bulbs and lay them out to dry in a shady spot with good airflow to cure. When they are dry (usually after a few weeks), discard any rotten bulbs, and store indoors in a dark and cool location with good airflow. Mesh bags, onions sacks, or paper bags are great.
Plant in fall for early summer harvests, similar to garlic. Appreciates rich soil with lots of compost, and regular watering.
I first received this variety as a gift from Jenelle at Nanoose Creek Farmhouse. All of the bulbs sold this year have been grown by Jenelle in Nanoose, Vancouver Island, BC.
Growing Instructions
Growing Instructions
Amend the soil with compost in a spot with good drainage. Avoid a weedy spot as alliums aren't very competitive against weeds- or be prepared to weed often!
Plant shallots root side down (pointy side up) 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Mulch only lightly or not at all, as these small shallots may have difficulty pushing through thick mulch.
Plant in fall- on the coast usually late October to late November is a good time. In very cold areas, try planting the shallots in spring.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, and Internationally for a flat rate of $20*. Shipping costs to the US will include the cost of a phytosanitary inspection and certificate, as well as tariffs.
Live plants, bulbs, and bulbils can only be shipped within Canada.
Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars, and may change without notice.
Shipping in Canada
We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-3 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally orders take longer, especially to the Eastern provinces and rural areas.
Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery.
Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.
Shipping to the US
Shipping charges to the US will also now include a government phytosanitary inspection and certificate. This will be bundled into the shipping cost. We ship via Canada Post, and any applicable duties will be calculated at checkout. So far (as of Sept 1, 2025), it's looking like there are no duties charged on seeds.
Please expect delays for US shipping, as during busy times it can take up to 2 weeks for us to book a phytosanitary inspection.
Shipping Internationally
International customers can select tracked or untracked shipping at checkout. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. We are not able to send any live plant materials internationally. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by customs, or for any additional duties or tariffs placed on your order.
International shipping countries include: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.
This list may change without notice. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page
Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option.
Return Policy
If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.
Ecologically Grown
Ecologically Grown
Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
