Shallots as bulbs are available in store from May, and can be planted right through to spring. Seedlings are available right through spring.

• A member of the onion family, similar to multiplying onions but smaller
• Have a mild onion flavour and can be eaten fresh or cooked
• Grow happily wherever onions will grow

Requirements

• Plant in a sunny position, with a well drained soil
• Add compost and/or peat prior to planting
• Apply all-purpose fertiliser at rate of 200gm/m2

How to Plant

• Divide into single bulbs before planting
• Press each bulb firmly into the soil, leave top ½ above the ground
• Space 10cm apart, 25cm between rows
• Each bulb will produce 6-12 new bulbs
• Harvest when leaves wither back to the neck of bulb, in mid-summer
• Store in a cool airy place, tied on strings or in string bags

When to Plant

• Shallots are available in stores from May, and can be planted right through to spring

Where to Plant

• Shallots can be planted in the vegetable garden provided they get a reasonable amount of sunshine each day
• The soil should be fertile and free draining. Improve heavy soils by the addition of compost or peat
• Shallots can also be grown in large troughs or containers
• Use a good all-purpose plant food in the garden, and a slow release general fertiliser in pots and containers

Cooking with Shallots

• Roast Shallots in their skins until soft then peel and eat with the meal
• Sautee shallots gently, being careful not to burn as this can make them bitter
• Use shallots in dishes where you are using wine
• Three or four shallots can be substituted for one medium sized onion
• Eating shallots will not give you bad breath as garlic does