Comments on: Growing Shallots

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:28:01 +0000

I live in Virginia Beach, Va. I planted several dozen shallot bulbs this past weekend 11/8/09. This is the first year that I have planted Shallots in the Fall for next summer’s (2010) harvest. In past years my Spring planted shallots have generally been smaller than the bulbs I planted. Will the Fall planting improve the size of the harvested shallots? Also, I applied a balanced time-release fertilizer when I planted them. The soil is well worked and also contains plenty of compost and chopped leaves.

By: Kenny Point

Kenny Point — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:29:18 +0000

Hi Charles, I don’t think it’s an issue with your shallots being hybridized, it could be that they have picked up some type of virus. Are you rotating the area of the garden that you grow your shallots in? I usually plant a variety of different sized seed for multiplier onions but I’m not sure that would make a difference with shallots where I also use the largest seed for both shallots and garlic. It may be a good idea to purchase some new seed stock for your shallots and start fresh as they should not be decreasing in size like that. Good luck!

By: Charles Criste

Charles Criste — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:49:25 +0000

I obtained French Gray shallot seed from a WI seed company in 2006.
I have been growing garlic since 1977 with great success. The shallots, however, have gotten smaller each year. I plant them in the Fall after hard frost at same time I plant garlic. I have been using the larger shallot as seed, which is usually the “mother plant”. Could this be the problem? Do you believe that shallots could be hybredized? I live in Centre County, PA.

By: Kenny Point

Kenny Point — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:32:56 +0000

Maris, you can plant radishes pretty closely so try spacing the seeds two or three inches apart in each direction.

By: Maris

Maris — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:32:14 +0000

Kenny, tks a zillion.
Now about red (small) raddish. I have them planted in a pot and the plants now stand about 8inches high and I could see small fruits jutting out.
Could you pls advise me how best I should plant them and how far apart each seed should be planted, because I haven’t got a clue!
Tks

By: Kenny Point

Kenny Point — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:48:28 +0000

Hi Maris, just let the shallots grow until the green tops die back is late summer or early fall, that is when the bulbs should be developed and ready to harvest. The greens aren’t usually eaten but I’m sure they are edible and could be used like green onions or chives.

By: Maris

Maris — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:38:03 +0000

Shallot bulbs that i planted in spring – the green leaves are about 8 inches high? when do i harvest them or when is it ready to be harvested? And could I use the greens for soups, salads etc as chives?
Tks

By: just me in SW oregon

just me in SW oregon — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:18:12 +0000

I agree. When I cook, I use the largest garlic cloves for my garden, and the smaller inside ones for cooking. I also harvest seeds from spaghetti, pumpkins and other squashes, and use beans from a bag of 15 bean soup mix. All grow great and produce well. I buy the squash from the farmers market, so I KNOW it’s adaptable to our local climate. Happy gardening