Crop type: Shallots
Allium cepa (Aggregatum Group) ‘Camelot’ PBR
Common name: Onion ‘Camelot’
Crop slug: shallots
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile and its linked crop guidance. Check the sources and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Camelot’ is a clump-forming shallot that produces a cluster of teardrop-shaped bulbs with deep-red skins and white flesh. The crop stores well after thorough drying, combining a distinctive red-brown appearance with the mild, sweet culinary qualities expected from shallots.
Each planted set develops several daughter bulbs around its base. Harvest when the foliage naturally yellows and falls, then separate and cure the cluster before storing.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- Ultimate spread
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- Time to ultimate size
- 1–2 years
- Habit
- Clump forming
The upright foliage remains compact while the bulbs multiply below ground. Space sets according to the parent crop guide so each cluster can expand without crowding.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Chalk, loam or sand
- Moisture
- Moist but well drained
- Soil pH
- Alkaline or neutral
Plant in fertile soil that holds enough spring moisture for bulb growth but drains freely. Water during dry growth, then reduce watering as the bulbs finish swelling in July so skins and necks ripen for storage.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- East-, north-, south- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H6 — hardy throughout the UK and northern Europe
Full sun supports strong bulb formation and reliable drying. The high hardiness rating gives flexibility in suitable planting seasons, although winter waterlogging must still be avoided.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
| Season | Flowers | Foliage | Bulbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | — | Green | Developing |
| Summer | — | Green, then yellowing | Deep red skin, white flesh |
| Autumn | — | Deciduous | Deep red skin |
| Winter | — | — | Stored crop |
The defining harvest is a neat cluster of teardrop bulbs with rich deep-red outer skins. A cut bulb reveals contrasting white flesh beneath the papery wrapper.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Name status
- Accepted
- Plant Breeders’ Rights
- Yes
Genus
Allium includes bulbous herbaceous perennials with a strong onion or garlic scent. They commonly have linear, strap-shaped or cylindrical basal leaves and star- or bell-shaped flowers held in an umbel on a leafless stem.
Safety
Alliums can be harmful to dogs and cats if eaten. Keep bulbs, foliage and discarded trimmings away from pets.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun in fertile, freely drained soil. Plant sets with their tips just visible, keep the crop weed-free and maintain moisture while actively growing. By July, provide very little additional water so bulb skins can mature. Lift when foliage yellows and flops, then dry thoroughly before storage.
Propagation
Propagate from seed. Shallot sets may also be planted following the parent crop guidance.
Suggested locations
- Allotment or kitchen garden
- Raised vegetable bed
- Sunny patio container
- Cottage or informal garden
Pruning
No pruning is required. Allow foliage to die back naturally rather than forcing it down.
Pests
Birds may pull newly planted sets from the ground. Check the row frequently and protect it with fleece or netting until bulbs are rooted.
Diseases
May be susceptible to onion downy mildew, onion white rot and leek rust. Maintain spacing and airflow, keep leaves dry where possible and rotate allium crops.