Shallots: cultivation, propagation and care

Shallots are native to Asia. But even in this country, the close relative of the kitchen onion is easy to grow in the garden.

The shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregate) is characterized by a slightly milder taste. But it also has a lot in common with the onion (Allium cepa). Therefore, it is botanically classified as a variety of the big sister and the times when the shallot was granted its own species (formerly Allium ascalonium) belong to history. In addition to the taste, the shallot can be distinguished from the kitchen onion by its pink skin, its often elongated shape and the two-part nature of the onion. In the kitchen, the two leeks compete (Allioideae) around the cutting board. The shallot can add some color to the kitchen - some varieties even develop yellow onions - but it quickly becomes bitter when fried. Nevertheless, it is worth growing the plant in your own garden for culinary use.

Grow shallots - step by step

1. Location:

The shallot likes sun and warmth. The more of these two factors she gets, the better she will thrive. The soil should be sandy and not prone to waterlogging. Therefore, too compacted soil is not suitable for the cultivation of shallots. The leek plant can also be cultivated in the balcony box, provided that the requirements for the substrate are met. A special vegetable soil such as our Plantura is well suited Organic tomato & vegetable soil.

If possible, neither cabbage nor other bulbous plants should be grown in the immediate vicinity of the shallot. The proximity of carrots, on the other hand, favors the cultivation of shallots. As with some plants, the shallot should be avoided for four to five years after it is planted again. Standing repeatedly in the same area for several years in a row favors infestation with the unwanted onion fly or nematodes. In addition, this causes a one-sided nutrient withdrawal from the soil.

2. Propagation and plants:

In our temperate latitudes, the shallot usually does not flower. In contrast to the kitchen onion, however, the shallot does not need induction through the flower to develop the daughter onions suitable for propagation. In this way, five to seven small onions can be harvested in autumn even without flowering. These are put into the ground in the following spring from March. The small bulbs are planted in the loose soil about 5 cm deep with a spacing of 15 to 20 cm within the row. When growing in the balcony box, the distances also apply, of course, in order to be able to achieve a rich harvest. Attention: It should be noted that the onion is inserted in the direction in which it grows.

If you put it upside down, the onion will have an unnecessarily difficult time budding or will not be able to push the leaves into the daylight. Some relatively frost-resistant varieties can withstand temperatures down to -10 °C and can therefore be planted in warmer regions in autumn.

3. Watering and fertilizing:

In the bed, the small onions only have to be watered in extremely dry conditions. And only if she is the leek plant in the growth of the foliage. A supply of water immediately after planting or just before harvesting, when the onion is just ripening, should be avoided. This would put the onion at risk of rotting or a reduced shelf life. In the balcony box, watering can of course be more necessary. You can tell when the time has come by the leaves beginning to droop.

In terms of nutrients, the shallot is just as easy to care for. When growing in the bed, it is sufficient to work in a primarily organic slow-release fertilizer like ours Organic Tomato Fertilizer or compost in the spring when the garden area is being prepared for planting the bulbs. A good substrate that contains all the important nutrients in sufficient quantities is sufficient for the balcony box. Here is our Plantura organic tomato & vegetable soil a very good choice.

4. Care:

All in all, the shallot is extremely easy to care for, even when growing it in your own garden. She only has something against weeds. In order not to reduce the harvest too much due to too much competition from unwanted wild growth, regular weeding between the shallot plants is the order of the day.

5. Harvest:

Depending on the variety and the weather, the onions can be harvested from August 90 to 120 days after planting. They are simply pulled out of the ground by the foliage once the aerial part begins to wither and dry up. It is best to harvest on a dry day that is as warm as possible. This favors the storability of the onions.

6. Storage:

After drying for a few days, the shallots can be tied with the foliage into bunches or braids. The onions are suitable for unlimited consumption for several months in a relatively cool place (10 to 15 °C) and good ventilation.