shallots

[Plot69]

How do I know when they are ready? Wait for them to die down like onions?

Never grown them before. They've all clumped up well.

[Plot69]

[BarriedaleNick]

Plot69 - yep thats just about it.  I pulled mine yesterday as they had all died down.  There seems to be a bit of white rot around on our plots so we are all pretty much on our gaurd and are pulling if they show a die back.

[Plot69]

Thanks Nick, I thought as much. First time I've grown them and I must say they look pretty impressive. Might devote another bed to them next year.

Can I save one from each bunch to plant for next year or is it best to buy fresh?

[cornykev]

Hi Plot, wait until the leaves die down, seperate and hang them up like you would onions, or some peeps cut off the leaves when they are green and use them in salads. I get mine up pretty sharpish before some other bugger does.      ???        ;D ;D ;D

[Tin Shed]

I am planning to pickle my shallots  - is it best to leave them to dry for a while or can I start pickling straight away?

[busy_lizzie]

Dug mine up last weekend, Jermor. You can tell when to do it because the leaves are all floppy and the plant just looks ready somehow. Have got a very good harvest this year, and they are now drying in my shed. The heads are great in salads, sweet and spicy just like spring onions. busy_lizzie

[BarriedaleNick]

Thanks Nick, I thought as much. First time I've grown them and I must say they look pretty impressive. Might devote another bed to them next year.

Can I save one from each bunch to plant for next year or is it best to buy fresh?

Although I haven't saved any in the past my oppo down the plot has done it every year for the last three or four with staggering results.  He saves the biggest every year and they are huge now! I guess you have to beware of pests and disease creeping in but it works for him..

I am planning to pickle my shallots  - is it best to leave them to dry for a while or can I start pickling straight away?

Dry as you normally would - I am planning to pickle some as well this year ;D

[Digeroo]

Do shallots finish before onions.  I got a mixed bag.  There was not much left so I had some of each, so the shallots are dotted around amonst the onions.  Problem is that if I like one type better I have not idea which they are.

I do not expect any rot, siol very well drained and virgin soil.  After a year or so imagine the bugs etc will arrive on site.

[Plot69]

In that case I'll give it a try, I'll save a few from each bunch and see what happens. Nothing ventured.

Thanks again Nick.

[Kea]

Do shallots finish before onions.  I got a mixed bag.  There was not much left so I had some of each, so the shallots are dotted around amonst the onions.  Problem is that if I like one type better I have not idea which they are.

I do not expect any rot, siol very well drained and virgin soil.  After a year or so imagine the bugs etc will arrive on site.

Shallots normally produce a group of bulbs while onions have just one. Having said that some of my shallots (Red Sun) this year have not divided up and have only one or two bulbs...all of them are much bigger than usual.
The good news is it means less peeling!

[1066]

The good news is it means less peeling!

;D  ;D  ;D

Growing shallots for the 1st time as well and so far looking much better than the red onions I'm trying.