Echalion shallot Onion sets

[gazza1960]

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,15929.msg170335.html#msg170335

After searching the forum I could only find the above thread re Echalion shallot onion sets,one member mentioned getting some
from the Garlic shop on the isle of wight but after looking it appears they don't do them at the mo.

After we move I want to grow some ....ok I Normally grow banana shallots but the last years crop were very poor
and after using Echalions for the majority of my cooking I wanted to source and grow some as they are both sweet and tasty in all manner of dinners.

so any pointers on suppliers of Echalion sets would be appreciated.

cheers

Gazza

[gazza1960]

[galina]

They are not normally grown from sets and I have never seen sets on offer.  Seeds are here:
http://www.capitalgardens.co.uk/shallot-banana-seeds-p-19009.html

If you want sets, you could use the onions you grow from seeds or the ones bought from shops.  Sets do split, but don't make as many little onions as shallots do.   These are some sort of hybrid between onion and shallot and commercial growers grow them from seed.

[gazza1960]

Great reply,thank you Galina,lets have a go at growing some from seed,itll be a first attempt in our new garden,so lets see.

cheers

Gazza x

[Ellen K]

You can grow Jermor shallots from the sets and they are very much the banana shape.  They are a bit pricey but you can either over winter or spring plant them. 

Or you can buy seeds like Long Red Florence: one seed produces one banana shaped onion.

I think the flavour (mild or strong) comes mostly from the ground they are planted in, not the variety.  So seeds planted in trays of fresh compost produce a mild sweet bulb.  But if you grow them in heavy clay soil, you get a strong flavoured onion.

These past few years, I've always overwintered a row of Jermors but the results have been variable.  I also grow banana  shallots from seed in new compost in shallow tubs and it gives great results - rock hard disease free bulbs but quite mild flavour.  You can sow them quite densely if you are around most days to water so you get a good yield with no waste.