Biztro Shallot Sets: The Gourmet Choice for Reliability and Yield
The Biztro shallot (Allium cepa Aggregatum Group) has rapidly become a staple for UK vegetable plots due to its vigorous growth and striking appearance. Producing clusters of round, firm bulbs with a distinctive reddish-pink tint to the skin, Biztro offers a colourful and high-yielding alternative to traditional brown shallots. It is particularly valued by gardeners in more northern or exposed areas of the UK because of its robust nature and high resistance to running to seed.
Cultivation and Planting
For the most successful harvest, plant your Biztro sets between February and April. As a fully hardy (H4) variety, they can handle the tail end of a British winter once the soil is workable. Choose a position in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. We recommend planting in ground that was manured for a previous crop; avoid freshly manured soil, as this can encourage overly soft growth and reduce the shallot’s excellent storage potential.
Planting Instructions and Spacing
- Depth: Gently press the sets into the soil so that just the tips are visible. Avoid burying them completely to prevent moisture sitting against the neck.
- Spacing: Allow 15cm to 20cm between sets and 30cm between rows. Because each individual Biztro set multiplies into a generous cluster of 5 to 8 shallots, they require adequate room to expand without competition.
- Protection: To prevent birds from lifting the sets, ensure the soil is firmed well around each one during planting.
Harvest and Culinary Use
Harvest typically takes place in July or August once the foliage has turned yellow and begins to flatten out naturally. Lift the clusters carefully with a garden fork and allow them to dry thoroughly in an airy, sun-exposed spot. Once the outer skins are papery and “rustle” to the touch, they are ready for storage.
In the kitchen, Biztro is a chef’s favourite. The crisp, mildly spicy flesh is ideal for pickling or finely dicing into sauces and vinaigrettes. When roasted whole, the skins take on a beautiful lustre and the flesh softens into a rich, sweet purée.
The Advantage of Scottish-Grown Sets
Our Biztro sets are Scottish-grown, providing a distinct advantage for UK growers. By raising the parent stock in a cooler climate, the sets develop a natural resilience and vigour. This provenance ensures your crop is better equipped to handle the unpredictable spring weather, resulting in a more reliable and productive harvest than many imported alternatives.
The Grown Local Verdict “Biztro is a standout performer in our trial grounds. Its resistance to bolting is among the best we’ve seen, making it a very dependable variety for gardeners across the UK. The reddish-pink skin looks fantastic in the kitchen, and the flavour provides that authentic, refined French-style shallot experience.”




