Shallots
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
History
Shallots are believed to have originated in centeral asian and moved along the silk road. With a milder tasted compare to the onion it was popular amoungst the Greeks and egyptians and by the 12 century became a stable in french cuisine.
Growing conditions
Sunlight
Needs atleast 6 hours of direct sunlight
Temperature Range
50F-70F
Soil Conditions
Sandy Loam soil.
Water
1 inch of water per week.
Water deep and the top soil to dry out
Nutrients
5-10-10
Potassium and phosphorus aid in root growth
pH
5.5-6.5
Plant care
Sowing Seeds
if planting from a bulb plant it 2 inches deep with 3 to 4 inches of spacing betweeen them and cover with straw
if planting from a seedlings plant it 1/4 inches deep with 1 to 2 inches of spacing betweeen them and cover with straw
Germination
Irregarless of the method used germination can take 7 to 15 days fpr germination. keep soil moist during this time.
Pruning
Thin out shallots allowing for 3 to 4 inches of space between them.
Remove scapes as they form they are edible and hold the seeds of the plant
Harvest
Shallots will be ready when the leaves begin to flop, lossen the soil with a pitch fork and gently pull them out.
Growing Tips
If the shallot fully flowers it will effect the shallots flavor.