Shallots Seeds , Davidor Onion Seeds / 100 seeds

How to Sow Shallots:

• Sow in the North in early spring after danger of a heavy frost. In the Deep South, Gulf and Pacific Coast areas, sow shallots from fall to early spring.
• Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil. Do not plant where members of the onion family were planted previously.
• Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.
• Sow thinly in rows 18 inches apart. Cover with ½ inch of fine soil. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist.
• Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days.
• Thin to stand 2-4 inches apart when seedlings are 1-2 inches tall.

Planting Shallot Bulbs:

• Plant shallots as soon as possible after receiving bulbs, in spring or fall.
• If you are unable to plant right away, store in a dry, cool, well ventilated, frost free location until you are able to plant.
• Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil. Do not plant where members of the onion family were planted previously.
• Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones. Incorporate generous amounts of quality compost and a slow release fertilizer before planting.
• Separate bulbs into individual cloves.
• Make a shallow furrow 1-1 ½ inches deep and lightly press in cloves about 4 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Plant with the pointed side up and cover with 1 inch of fine soil.
• Firm soil and water.

How to Grow Shallots

• Transplants should show new growth after 4 weeks of 50 degree F weather.
• Never let plants dry out; shallots are shallow rooted and very sensitive to dry conditions. Keep 6 inches of soil moist.
• Side dress with fertilizer.
• Keep weeds under control during the shallot growing season. Weeds compete with vegetable plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.
• Keep shallot plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
• Monitor shallot plants for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.

Shallot Harvest and Preserving Tips

• If immature shallots are desired, before complete bulb development, harvest and use immediately. Immature shallots are edible at any size but do not store well. In 30 days, greens may be harvested. In 45 days, green bulbs may be harvested.
• In 90-120 days, mature shallot bulbs may be harvested.
• When ¾ of the tops have fallen over, bend over those still standing to hasten drying. After all the tops are yellow, pull up plants with their clusters of bulbs attached, and allow them to dry in the sun for a few days. Look at the weather forecast and pick the driest days to do this.
• Spread out in an airy place until the tops are completely dry, about 2-3 weeks.
• Braid tops together or cut tops to 2 inches above the bulbs. Discard rotting bulbs. One rotting bulb will spoil the bunch.
• Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated space.
• Shallots can also be made into a carmelized jam, or pickled.