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Cultivating Gardeners

GRAY

GRAY

Product Description:

Allium oschaninii The culinary star! Grays are considered the crème de la crème among shallots for their delicious, umami flavor. Sought out above all other varieties, these fetch the highest prices at market—and for good reason! Although the bulbs tend to run smaller than others, their magnificent flavor and quality in recipes more than makes up for their relatively diminutive size.

Shallot bulbs are shipped only in the fall—September through mid-October, depending on the season and the variety. Approximate bulbs per pound is 15–30, but this can vary based on seasonal conditions and the variety. Shallots need to be planted shortly after arrival. Quantities are limited; order early for best availability. Sorry, not available to Idaho, US Territories, or Canada.
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BULB

ORGANIC BULB

$32.95

$32.95

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Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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Y
YG
Time is all it takes

Bought the first and only batch in 2021 and have replanted the smaller bulbs in 2022. Harvested this summer in 2023 and am totally impressed. Clusters are huge, and bulbs are almost the size as that of the standard French Shallots. No compromise to the flavors and taste. Unfortunately I missed out on getting more for 2023 fall planting. BUT, am still going to use the smaller bulbs again and see if I get the same results or even better. And next year, I plan to order earlier and not miss out! Thanks again for not disappointing.

Y
YG
Make a believer out of me

Wrote the review last year when I received and planted the bulb and was not quite sure of what to expect. Well, we just harvested our crop this year, and I have to say I am more than surprise. Well, the size are about the same - ranging between medium and small, BUT what is amazing is the flavor and fragrant. It has a milder flavor than the French, but has a distinct sweet and mild spiciness to it. The fragrant reminds me of the shallots that my grandma use to use many moons ago. We have tried them in homemade dressing and have been very impressed with the enhancement made to a simple vinegaritte dressing. Will definitely be saving a bunch of the small ones for planting this year.
Thank you very much for making a believer out of me!!!

Y
YG
Bulbs of varies sizes

Maybe my expectation is too hight. But bulbs ranges from very small to medium. BUT, they are in good conditions. Out of the 5 lbs bag, only 3 were bad. Got all of them into the ground today (got them a week ago). First time planting shallots in the fall in Zone 6. Hopeful that next spring I can get to see some good results. Hopeful!!

Gray shallots are smaller than other varieties (they're skinnier), but their flavor definitely makes up for it! We've also found that shallot bulbs are the opposite of garlic, the smaller the seed the better the harvest! Hope you enjoy them.

S
Sara L.
Delicious and delicate

Tried planting two shallot varieties for the first time, these and frenches. Compared to the frenches these turned out smaller but with way more bulblets per clump: about two "eating size" (small, but worth the work) shallots and 8+ bulblets for next year's planting per clump. The plants didn't care for our spring and early summer rains, which washed away some of their soil cover -- they wound up flopping over earlier than I expected, which may explain the small bulbs. We'll try again next year and hope for better spring and early summer conditions. They are absolutely delicious, though.

Soil Temp for Germ 50–85°F
Seed Depth ½"
Seed Spacing ½–¾"
Thin Plants to 2–4"
Minimum Germination 75%
Seeds per Gram ≈ 200
Seed Life 1 year

Allium cepa, Aggregatum Group

Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.

Culture
• Shallots prefer light, sandy, loamy soils
• Apply 1/4-1/2 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet, 1-2 inches below transplant or seed

Direct Sowing
• Thin to the strongest plant when 4-5 inches

Transplanting
• Sow up to 10-12 seeds in a 4-6 inch pot
• If tops reach over 5 inches before transplant, cut to 3 inches
• When planting out carefully separate the seedlings and place in a shallow trench
• Fill trench around seedlings and water in well

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Onion thrips and maggots
• Insect control: Monterey B.t. or Neem oil
• Disease prevention: 5-7 year crop rotation

Harvest & Storage
• As bulbs approach maturity, withhold water so protective paper can form
• Bulbs are ready to harvest when leaves have turned yellow and fall over
• Cure in a warm (75-80°F), shaded, well-ventilated location until outer skin and necks are dry
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
• Check occasionally and immediately remove any sprouting or rotting shallots



Shallot Bulbs

Bulbs per pound: Approximately 15–30, unless otherwise noted.

Culture
• Shallots thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0
• Work in 1 inch layer of compost, 1/2 cup of bone meal, 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet
• When spring growth begins: water to keep the soil slightly moist, and fertilize with Age Old Grow or TSC's Complete fertilizer
• As harvest approaches: water less to avoid molding or staining
• Our shallot varieties are adapted to 36-55° latitude

Direct Sowing
• Plant the root ends down and cover with 1/2 inch of soil and mulch with clean straw or leaves to 4 inches
• Bulb Spacing: 6-8"
• Row Spacing: 12"

Harvest & Storage
• Bulbs are ready to harvest when leaves have turned yellow and fall over
• Standard yield for shallots is about 4-5 times the amount planted
• Cure shallots like onions: in a warm (75-80°F), shaded, well-ventilated location until outer skin and necks are dry
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
• Check occasionally and immediately remove any sprouting or rotting shallots

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