How to grow Shallot?
- Latin Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Latin Genus: Allium
- Ease of Growing: Moderate
- Growing Type: Annual
Some gourmets consider the shallot to be the most refined of all the Allium family, as it is milder and more delicately flavored than the onion or garlic. It has similar requirements as the onion and is grown in the same way, though it is somewhat easier to grow. It works very well in small gardens, as it doesn't take up much space and is quite productive.
While Shallots are a [perennial] plant, farmers and gardeners grow it like an [annual]. We have classified it as an annual to help you manage your plants and garden better.
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Shallot History
The shallot was once thought to be a distinct species, but is now considered a sub-species of onion. It is the commonest kind of multiplier onion; a group that also includes Potato Onions and Egyptian Onions. It produces a cluster of up to 10 or so bulbs, each up to 2" in diameter and connected at their bases.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.0 - 7.0
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 6.5
Shallots prefer the same kind of soil as onions. Like onions, they are not very efficient feeders because their roots are weak and shallow. Consequently they need a loose, rich, moisture retentive soil with lots of [organic matter]. They don't like compacted, heavy, dry, [acid], salty, or poorly drained soils (their roots may rot if it is too wet). If the soil is very acidic then add lime.
How to care for Shallot?
Shallots are such an easy and tasty crop to grow, it's surprising they aren't in every garden in America.
Water
Shallots are somewhat drought tolerant, but need evenly moist soil for best production. If the soil dries out it will affect your crop.
Fertilizer
Moderate nitrogen. Moderate potassium. Moderate phosphorous. This is a variety of onion and has pretty much the same needs.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 1 - 4 Years
Germination Percentage: 70.0
Simply save some of the bulbs for replanting as you would garlic. You can replant these almost immediately if you want, or store them until spring. It may be a good idea to occasionally start with fresh bulbs, as they can become infected with virus diseases.
You can produce shallot seed in the same way as for onion. It is cross-pollinated by insects but this isn't usually a problem as there are no close wild relatives and most people don't let their onions flower. Seed production just happens, all you have to do is not stop it.
Make sure the flower heads are thoroughly dry before collecting seed, then remove the seed from the head and dry it thoroughly before storing. The seed doesn't remain viable for very long, 2 or 3 years at the most, so use it promptly.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Full sun.
Conditions:Cool, Warm
Season:Long Season
Storage
Shallots keep very well and were once saved for use after the store of bulb Onions had gone.
Storage Req: Cool, Moist
Storage Temp: 50°F
Storage Length: 90-180 days
Problems
Rot
If the soil is too cold and wet the bulbs may rot in the ground.
Shallot Types
- Shallot
Shallots form a cluster of small bulbs with a mild, sweetly pungent flavor. Their skin varies from gray to golden brown to red. The flesh is white, but may be tinged with purple or green.
Pests
- Deer
- Leafhoppers
- Leafminers
- Slugs and snails
- Stink Bug
- Birds
- Gophers
- Onion Maggot
- Thrips
Diseases
- Onion Smudge
- Rust
- Damping Off
- Downy Mildew
- Fusarium Bulb Rot
- Onion Leaf Blight
- Onion Neck Rot
- Onion Purple Blotch
- Sunscald
Related Plants
Jicama
Celeriac / Celery Root
Radish
Salsify & Scorzo
Shallot
Rutabaga
Garlic
Finocchio
Leek
Turnip