Shallots

[Ian240356]

I'm growing shallots for the first time.

I noticed that some of the bulbs were "single", others seemed to be 2 or more bulbs joined together, but almost trying to become "single"- if that makes any sense.

Not knowing what to do, I have planted singles and also, the doubles and triples. I also hacked some of the doubles and triples into singles to make them go further.

I'm not sure if I've done right or wrong. I suppose I'll just wait and find out.

Predictably the doubles and triples are seemingly doing the best

Is there an experienced shallot grower in here who knows what I should have done ?

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Ian, you need to split any multi bulb shallots into single shallots, just the same as you would do with a garlic bulb before planting. Plant about 8 inches or 20cms apart with the tips showing and save some shallot bulbs from the harvest to plant next year!

[Ian240356]

Thanks Leslie

Thats what I thought. Some though are not inclined to be split and have gone in as multi clumps. I'll see what happens, or maybe I'll dig them out and hack them apart.

[DavidT]

Also, strangely as it sounds, if you want small shallots plant large bulbs. If you want large shallots plant small bulbs.

[Suffolk Dave]

Hi Dave, I'm interested to learn that sm.shallots produce lg.ones and vice versa. How come? whats the science behind it?

[DavidT]

I think that a small set will only be capable of producing 2 or 3 bulbs which , because there is not a lot of competition for nutrients, tend to grow larger. The reverse, obviously, applies to larger sets.

[Suffolk Dave]

Yepp that makes sense, I'll go for that.