They look like onions and are related, however Shallots are smaller growing than onions. They break into segments when peeled, and are sweet when cooked down and caramelized.
- Red varieties are increasing popular in Australia both as commercial crops and in the home garden.
- Also available are the Golden varieties.
Both are best grown in soils that are low in nitrogen for crops that will last longer once harvested.
Best planted from April through to December depending on climate.
Shallots Or Spring Onions ?
A little confusion exists between shallots and ‘spring onions’.
With Shallots we eat the small bulbs, spring onions we eat the leafy growth.
How To Grow Shallots
Like most members of the onion family these bulbs are planted mid winter and harvested in summer. In Australia this is true for the cool temperate regions however in warmer area they can be planted in Autumn (march / april).
The best time to plant is at the winter equinox, the shortest day of the year, however a few weeks either way will do. They are harvested six months later.
- Choose a sunny position.
- A well dug loamy humus rich soil is best
- Prepare the soil by digging over 4 weeks before planting.
- You can dig in a little compost, however do not use high nitrogen manures and other products.
- Shallots are planted using the small single bulbs, which multiply into heads of around 8 – 10 bulbs.
- Plant 15 -20 cm apart, remember that they will multiply as they grow and overcrowding reduces bulb quality.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Keep the area well weeded.
Top Tips
- When you harvest them they need to be dried or ‘cured’. A cool shaded position on a wire or wooden rack is best.
- Try not to bruise or cut the bulbs when digging, this leads to rot.
- Remember to save a few medium sized bulbs for planting the next winter.
Shallots for planting are available from the following suppliers
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au