Shallot

Allium cepa, Aggregatum Group

Shallot Bulbs

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

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
• Use a garden fork to remove shallots from the ground and allow them to dry out in a sunny spot for several days; do not leave out if rain is expected
• Standard yield for shallot bulbs are 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, dark, dry, well-ventilated area (not in the fridge)
• Thick-necked shallots will not store as long, so use first
• Check occasionally and immediately remove any sprouting or rotting shallots

Shallot Seeds

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 Pyrethrin
• 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
• Use a garden fork to remove shallots from the ground and allow them to dry out in a sunny spot for several days; do not leave out if rain is expected
• Standard yield for shallot bulbs are 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, dark, dry, well-ventilated area (not in the fridge)
• Thick-necked shallots will not store as long, so use first
• Check occasionally and immediately remove any sprouting or rotting shallots

Walking Onions

Allium cepa, Proliferum Group

Egyptian onions, also known as tree or walking onions, are very hardy perennials. These fascinating onions form several small bulbs underground, plus they produce clusters of reddish hazelnut-sized bulblets at the top of each seed stalk. Normal flowers do not occur.

Planting
• Plant bulblets 5-6 inches apart, 1 inch deep, in rows spaced 12 inches apart

Insect & Diseases
• Common insects: Onion thrips and maggots
• Insect control: Pyrethrin or Predatory Nematodes
• Common diseases: Fusarium basal rot, pink root
• Disease prevention: 5-7 year crop rotation

Harvest & Storage
• Once Egyptian onions have established themselves, you can harvest both the bulbs at the base of the plant and the bulblets at the top of the stems
• If left untended, you will understand the term "walking onion", as the onion stalks will bend down to the ground allowing the bulblets to take root by themselves
• In more severe climates, the bulbs should be stored and replanted in the spring
• Cure in a warm (75-80°F), shaded, well-ventilated location until outer skin and necks are dry, then trim tops, leaving one inch above the bulb
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
• Check occasionally and immediately remove any sprouting or rotting onions