Shallot
is a type of onion, specifically a botanical variety of
the species Allium cepa.
The shallot was formerly
classified as a separate species, A. ascalonicum, a
name now considered a synonym of the currently
accepted name.
Its close relatives include
the garlic, leek, chive, and Chinese onion.
WHEN
TO PLANT SHALLOTS:
It is always best to plant in the fall because fall-plantings yield twice as much. Protected by a good mulch and snow cover, shallots, have survived minus 25°F. However, if your winters are unusually severe, you might test-plant a few in fall the first time you grow them and save the rest to plant in spring.
It is always best to plant in the fall because fall-plantings yield twice as much. Protected by a good mulch and snow cover, shallots, have survived minus 25°F. However, if your winters are unusually severe, you might test-plant a few in fall the first time you grow them and save the rest to plant in spring.
HOW
TO PLANT SHALLOTS:
Space shallots appx. 4-6 inches apart with the rows 18 inches apart.
Space shallots appx. 4-6 inches apart with the rows 18 inches apart.
HOW
TO GROW SHALLOTS:
When the bulbing begins, any
mulch or soil covering the bulbs should be pulled back so the bulbs
form on the surface of the soil and dry down.
HOW
TO HARVEST SHALLOTS:
The tops of these species often make very tasty scallions, especially potato onions. However, if you snip off too many sprouts, there will be fewer and smaller bulbs.
The time to harvest is when most of the tops have browned off and fallen over. Loosen the soil first with a spading fork and then gently lift the bulbs. Their skins have not hardened yet so it is important to avoid bruising or tearing the skin. The bulbs, with their tops still attached, should be air-dried for 2-3 weeks until the tops have completely shriveled.
The tops of these species often make very tasty scallions, especially potato onions. However, if you snip off too many sprouts, there will be fewer and smaller bulbs.
The time to harvest is when most of the tops have browned off and fallen over. Loosen the soil first with a spading fork and then gently lift the bulbs. Their skins have not hardened yet so it is important to avoid bruising or tearing the skin. The bulbs, with their tops still attached, should be air-dried for 2-3 weeks until the tops have completely shriveled.
