Topic: Red Thai shallots

[Jayb]

Has anyone grown these? I’m not sure how well they will like it in the UK? But they were really tasty shallots and looked so pretty I couldn't resist saving a few to plant. They have been in compost for a few weeks and so far they are growing well.

[gp.girl]

I'd give them a go! Where did you get them?

[Jayb]

From a local veggie shop, said she was experimenting with a few exotic veg for folk to try, but sadly didn't think she was going to bother again.

[galina]

The local supermarket sold off a very cheap packet at the end of the day for making Thai curry and it contained 4 pink shallots.

I planted them with my normal shallots in October and come spring there was nothing.  They are definitely not winter hardy. 

Sorry I only know how NOT to grow them  ;D

Would love to learn how to grow them.

[Jayb]

Thanks for that Galina, sounds like they need a spring planting then. I'll let you know how I get on, but I think a mid June planting is a tad late for them to do much? Perhaps they are day light sensitive and will relish the shortening days!  :)

[Jayb]

Well as a sort of update I still have a Red Thai shallot alive. I can't say it is thriving, more surviving. It has split and currently I have the remaining two small plants in a pot in the greenhouse. Surprisingly one has a small flower stalk on it!

[amphibian]

Are they the same as these?


http://thaifooddirect.co.uk/fresh-fruit-vegetables/fruit-vegetables-kg-packs/fresh-red-shallot-1kg.html


They were the standard cooking alium when I lived in Thailand.

[Jayb]

Yes they look very much like them. I've not seen them for sale since.
Did you grow them when you were in Thailand? Any growing tips?