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i'd like to try growing shallots this year. i'm in zone 6b, in PA.
i'd like a fall harvest this year and then a spring harvest next year. i'm going to plant bulbs, not seeds. does anyone have experience growing them and know whether i can plant some in spring and expect a successful fall harvest, and if they will overwinter well and survive until spring?
Yep, I'd encourage you to grow some! You'll actually get a harvest before Fall if you plant soon (From sets you can expect a crop in approximately 80-90 days.) If you know when to set out onion sets in your area that would also be a good time to set out your shallots. However, if you have any kind of protection like a cold frame or garden tunnel you could plant them as soon as you like.
Pretty much treat them as you would onions, keeping them well weeded and well-fed. When you harvest them this Summer/Fall save some, divide the bulbs, and replant for your Fall/Winter crop.
Glad to see this thread. I planted some about 3-4 weeks ago. How long does it take to see shoots coming up? We've had lots of rain since I planted them and I thought maybe they had gotten root rot. Probably I'm too impatient! lol...
thanks shoe... i have no idea how to grow onions either... but i'm willing to learn.
bookworm, i know what you mean. i'm impatient too. i wish i could answer your question. i can only add to it though LOL.
i have to find shallot sets. i don't know where to get them yet. anyone have any good sources? i prefer organic. perhaps grey shallots, but dutch shallots would do too.
Bookworm, it can take a while for them to "declare", depending on how cold the weather has been as well as rainfall. The biggest thing is to not plant them too deeply, usually only stick about 3/4th of the bulb into the ground (I do a tiny bit deeper 'cause the rains tend to pack/lower the soil depth a bit, exposing more of the bulb than I want).
