tips of shallots going brown

[queen of the cobs]

Hi All,

The tips of my shallots have been going brown and dried out for the last few weeks - are they lacking water? You wouldn't have thought it after all that rain! Or do they need feeding? I gave them some horse manure 'tea' in April, but perhaps they need something else now? Also, one of the chaps on the plot said that you stop watering onions by June - has anyone else come across this? And finally, what should I store them in when I finally harvest them?

thanks.  :)

[queen of the cobs]

[Tee Gee]

I would guess your shallots are now formed and this is the first sign of the ripening process.

[manicscousers]

yes, ours are doing the same..if you buy oranges or onions at the moment, keep the nets and store the shallots in them, hanging up in the shed or garage, hope that helps  :)

[Robert_Brenchley]

Mine are doing exactly the same, but they're diddy little things. I may give up on them and just grow the walking onions.

[cambourne7]

Robert whats the taste like with walking onions??

[kenkew]

Don't water, don't feed. Leave 'em alone, they'll be OK.

[aob9]

 :-\Why do you say that kenkew?.Mine are the same and I'm wondering what is wrong.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Nothing's wrong, it's what shallots do. They'll be ready for lifting soon. i don't know what walking onions taste like as it's the first year I've grown them. I think my current one row is likely to be come many though, looking at the size of them.

[cornykev]

Mine are like yours Robert brown tips but very small.  :( ;D ;D ;D

[Tee Gee]

Walking onions ???

Thats a new one on me  ??? Is it a local term?

An explanation would be helpful!!

[Robert_Brenchley]

Egyptian walking onions. http://www.craftygardener.ca/infowalkingonions.html

[petengade]

Are the Walking Onions for sale in this country as sets? I did a google and it seems only the USA sell them, can anybody help please?

[OllieC]

I'm intending to scrounge some from here... hint hint... ;)

[Robert_Brenchley]

I don't know whether anyone sells them in the UK, but there are several of us growing them so there should be some of the little bulbs going later. Mine are forming now; I'm just waiting till I'm sure I've got enough for myself, and term's well and truly over so I've got the energy to cope with sending stuff out.

[petengade]

Thanks for the info Robert, only want a few to buy, will ask again later.
Pete.

[Tee Gee]

Thanks for that now I know but they are not for me I'm afraid.