Shallot Growing Instructions

Shallot Bulb Growing Instructions
Prepare your bed by turning under or tilling in compost or well-rotted manure. Separate multiple bulbs and plant each individual bulb, root end down. Plant Shallots 1” deep, 4-6” apart in 18” spaced rows roots side down, just deep enough so that the tip lies level with the soil surface. Shallots will form a cluster of 5-12 bulbs around the original bulb. This cluster will spread out more than a Garlic bulb and therefore requires more space between plants.

Do not use mulch as it may rot bulbs, which are not strong enough to push through mulch. After planting Shallots, water well or lightly in heavy soils, and only water again when the soil is dry. Remember, Shallots love water and food, but they must have good drainage or the bulbs will rot.

In the spring, feed the Shallots with either composted manure or a well-balanced fertilizer before the bulbs begin to enlarge. Keep the bulbs well watered and weeded; they grow best with at least 1" of water per week. Remove any seed stalks that form to focus the Shallots' energy into forming bulbs. Shallots should be spring planted in very cold areas.

Harvest the Shallots when the tops are drying. You can tell the bulbs are mature when the tops yellow and die (most plants can be harvested after 3 months); Pull up the clusters and cure in a warm but shady place with ventilation. Regardless of what you read elsewhere, do not leave your Shallots in the sun to cure, because they might sunburn and rot. Store your Shallots in mesh bags (like onion sacks) in a cool dry area.. You should let the bulbs dry for about a month. They can be stored for up to 8 months if kept at their optimum storage temperature of 35°-45°F.

Deer Resistant Seed Varieties

The Flavor Makers: Onions, Leeks and Shallots