Autumn Planting Oct-Dec
Autumn-planted shallots establish over winter and usually mature earlier than spring-planted sets. Use varieties sold for autumn planting.
Planting information
- Planting time: October to December
- Harvest time: June to July
- Position: Full sun
- Planting depth: Tip visible above the soil
- Spacing: 15 to 20 cm apart
- Row spacing: Approximately 30 cm
- Soil: Fertile and well-drained
How to plant
- Choose a sunny position that does not become waterlogged.
- Push each set gently into the soil with the pointed end upwards.
- Leave the tip just visible.
- Firm the soil around each set.
- Water if conditions are dry.
Ongoing care and harvesting
- Re-firm sets lifted by birds or frost.
- Keep the area weed-free.
- Water during prolonged dry periods in spring.
- Stop regular watering as bulbs mature.
- Remove flower stems if they appear.
Spring Planting Oct-Dec
Each shallot set develops into a cluster of smaller bulbs, providing a generous crop from a small planting area.
Planting information
- Planting time: February to April
- Harvest time: July to September
- Position: Full sun
- Planting depth: Tip visible above the soil
- Spacing: 15 to 20 cm apart
- Row spacing: Approximately 30 cm
- Soil: Fertile and well-drained
How to plant
- Prepare a sunny bed with fine, weed-free soil.
- Place each set with the pointed end upwards.
- Push gently into the soil while leaving the tip visible.
- Space rows approximately 30 cm apart.
- Water if soil is dry.
Ongoing care and harvesting
- Weed carefully by hand.
- Water during extended dry weather while bulbs swell.
- Avoid overwatering or continuously wet soil.
- Remove flower stems if they develop.
- Harvest when leaves yellow and collapse, then dry thoroughly.
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