How To Grow Shallots

Shallots are a must have for any kitchen garden or allotment. Shallots are easier to grow and more productive than onions, and they cost a fortune to buy in the shops. Shallots are related to onions, but are drier with a milder and sweeter flavour. So why try growing shallots?

Shallots are usually grown from shallot sets (i.e. from shallots rather than from shallot seeds) planted 6 inches apart in rows 9 inches apart with the roots downwards and the tops just below the soil. A shallot bulb can be divided into cloves much like garlic, but the whole bulb (as shown above) should be planted.

As long as the bed is kept relatively free of weeds and is watered during prolonged dry spells, the shallots will grow well. Each shallot planted will divide and grow into a bunch of 1 to 8 shallots. For large shallots, plant small shallots, and to grow small shallots, plant large shallots.

Shallots prefer soil with 6.0-6.8 pH, but will grow in more acidic soils. The looser the soil, the larger the shallots will grow.

Shallots can be planted in the autumn or spring, but the best flavour and yields come from over-wintering shallots planted in late autumn for harvesting the following August. Shallots can also be planted in the spring (mid-February to mid-March) for harvesting in late August. Harvesting and Storing Shallots Shallots should be harvested on a dry day.

Pull up the clusters of shallots, remove any excess soil, and leave them in a warm, shady, and well ventilated spot to dry out and cure for around one week. Select some of the best quality shallots from the highest yielding clusters to store and use as your shallot sets for the following year's crop.

Shallots can be stored in the same way as onions in mesh bags. If they are kept below 10 degrees Celcius in a dry, well ventilated location, the shallots can keep for 6-8 months. Once dry the shallots can then be eaten or stored in a cool area until needed. Problems growing shallots? Then read up on Shallot Pests And Diseases

If you like growing shallots then why not find out How to Grow Onions

By Richard Allen -