In This Article
Shallots adapt to a great diversity in climate and conditions, hence becoming easily cultivable by amateur and professional gardeners. Care for one shallot set in the right manner, and it can yield a cluster of bulbs that give higher yields compared to space they cover.
| Common Name | Shallot |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Allium cepa var. aggregatum |
| Plant Type | Bulb vegetable |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6-8 hours daily) |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0) |
| Spacing | 6-8 inches between bulbs, 12-18 inches between rows |
| Planting Depth | Bulbs with tips slightly above soil surface |
| Growing Season | Spring or fall, depending on climate |
| Harvest Time | 90-120 days after planting sets |
| Hardiness Zones | 4–10 |
| Companion Plants | Carrots, lettuce, beets, tomatoes |
| Native Region | Central and Southwest Asia |
Shallots Varieties and Growing Seasons
Shallots come in a very large number of varieties, each with its own characteristic and best suited to different climates. Some of the more popular types include:
- French Gray Shallots: These are considered the most traditional variety of shallot and have an exceptionally robust, garlic-like flavor; they are usually quite exacting to grow outdoors in all but the coolest climates.
- Red Shallots: Most widely available, these have reddish-purple skin and are much milder in flavor. Excellent raw in salads and in vinairgrettes.
- Banana Shallots (Echalion): These are larger with elongated shapes compared to other varieties and have a sweeter taste to suit roasting and caramelizing accordingly.
Which one will be used is determined by region and personal culinary preference. Regions with cool seasons can fall plant, as this allows bulbs to establish before winter. Regions with mild winters can fall or spring plant and still obtain successful crops.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Shallots do well in loose, well-draining soil with added compost or organic manure. They can be planted at a site that has full sun because, like other bulbs, the shallots are heliophytes. A neutral to slightly acidic pH hence 6.0-7.0 favors the growth of the plants. Heavy waterlogged soils that cause them to rot should not be used for planting. The plants can also be done in raised beds or containers provided the soil is well drained.
Planting Shallots from Sets
One of the easiest and most foolproof ways to grow shallots is from sets. It's all about timing: plant in early spring or late fall, depending on your region. For fall planting, you should try to get the sets in the ground about 4-6 weeks prior to the first frost, so they can get some root growth established.
Set 6-8 inches apart, but the rows are to be about 12-18 inches apart to assure good air circulation that will prevent diseases. Plant the bulbs so that the pointed part is only above the ground surface when setting. That is, only the root is covered, but the pointed top is not covered, which assures quicker sprouting.
Sets tend to be more resistant than seeds and thus result in faster growth, with better success, especially in climates with varying temperatures. In order to protect the young bulbs against cold spells, a thin layer of mulch can be applied. Another purpose this serves is to prevent birds from moving the sets about before they set roots.
Shallots from Seeds
For those who prefer to set them from seed, shallots get seeds indoors early in spring in seed trays filled with good compost. Keep the temperature around 50-60°F, if possible using a heated propagator. Harden the seedlings off before transplanting to the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
If direct planting outdoors, wait for the soil to warm up-mid-spring is usually a good time-and sow seeds in rows 12 inches apart. After germination, seedlings should be thinned out to 4-6 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
Watering, Weeding, and Fertilizing
It is essential that the soil be kept consistently moist for the entire growing season and especially during periods of extreme heat. Overwatering does indeed cause root and crown rots; therefore, the hosta should be watered deeply but need not be soaked. So, it is advisable to water the plant at soil level rather than on the leaves to prevent fungal infections.
Weeds should be controlled, for shallots have little chance of competing with them. Mulching tends to restrict weeds, an added advantage of which is preserving soil moisture. An application of nitrogen fertilizer in spring fosters good growth, particularly for those that have been fall-planted.
Harvesting and Storing Shallots
Shallots are ready to harvest when the foliage turns yellow and begins to fall over. Carefully lift clusters with a fork and separate bulbs. Allow to dry for a few days in a warm, dry place, or cure them inside for a week or two in a warm, well-ventilated area until the skins are papery. Well-cured shallots can be stored for up to nine months in a cool, dry place.
Shallots in Containers
Shallots do very well in containers, indeed these are great candidates for container gardens and even balconies. At the very least, use a pot that is 10-inches deep and has good drainage, using an extremely nutritious potting mix that drains freely. Place the pot in full sun. Plant one shallot set every 6 inches, since over-crowding will reduce bulb size by constricting the root space.
Water regularly for moist soil but not waterlogged. To ensure better growth and good yield, fertilize every fortnight or so with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Shallots that are container grown give smaller bulbs; yet, it is easy to handle the pot, and you can put the pot indoors during inclement weather, which prolongs the growing season for you.
Common Pests and Diseases
Shallots are generally hardy but may be susceptible to the following pests and diseases:
- Onion Maggots: Small larvae burrow into bulbs, causing damage. Utilize crop rotation and cover plants with insect proofing.
- Downy Mildew: This fungal disease exhibits yellowed leaves and reduced yields. To minimize the chances of being at its mercy, it is necessary to enhance air circulation around the plants and refrain from overhead irrigation.
- Basal Rot: It is a soil-borne fungal disease. The bulbs become mushy, discolored, and even rot as the disease advances. Precautions include planting resistant varieties and also avoiding waterlogged conditions.
The earlier they were spotted, the better the chances of control. Remove infected material to reduce further spread.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take for Shallots to Grow?
Shallots take an average of 90 to 120 days to grow from seed to harvest, depending upon the particular variety and conditions. Shallots that are fall-planted may be ready sooner than sets set out in spring.
Can You Plant Shallot Bulbs from the Store?
Yes, you can grow shallots from store-bought bulbs, provided they are untreated. For better results, however, the certified disease-free sets from garden centers are best.
When to Plant Shallots?
This utterly depends on your climate. For cooler areas, plant them in fall so bulbs can set over winter. In warmer areas, early spring should suffice.
Do Shallots Require Full Sun?
Yes, the shallots do require full sun for their growth and at least need to have 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day for their good growth and bulb formation.
Do leave your comments