Banana Shallot question..

[Deb P]

I have grown Banana Shallots from seed, but this year I was late planting them out, and they have not achieved the huge size they did the year before. We have eaten some of the larger ones, but I have left in some that are about the size of normal shallot sets. Some have a bit of green foliage left, others the foliage has died right off, but the bulbs are firm and have roots.

I would like to grow them on to save my own seed from them. Do I have to lift them, dry them off and replant in the spring? Or can I just leave them in to overwinter and hope they survive to flower next year?

[Deb P]

[Robert_Brenchley]

Plant them singly, now. Plant the biggest you have if you want bigger bulbs next year. I've never had any luck with shallots, but most people seem to be able to grow them.

[tim]

Just to be different - IF they are normally grown from sets, I would lift, dry & re-plant in Feb/Mar 2009.

BUT - I read that they should only be grown from seed??

BUT - again - I cannot see the point of growing HUGE Shallots. Most recipes call for 1 or 2 bog standard ones. So what do you do with the rest? Many people have limited storage for left-overs.

Big is not always beautiful - except on the Show Bench. Like 6lb Onions. Count me out!!

[Deb P]

They are usually grown from seed, and you get one single large shallot instead of a bunch. They are just as tasty as the small ones, saves having to peel so many of the fiddly little 'uns!

I only want to grow these few on so that they flower and then save the seeds so I can grow more in the future, I haven't got much seed of this strain left now. I think I'll do both options, keep the few with foliage on in situ, and lift the others with none and replant in the spring. Thanks chaps! ;D