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**zazen999** · 10-09-2011, 06:56 PM

Why are you planting them? True Banana shallots are usually grown from seed and are eaten whole.

Unless you are just weird in which case - as you were.

ETA: where did you get these from and do you know the variety?

**Florence Fennel** · 10-09-2011, 07:41 PM

I'm glad you were around Zaz. When I saw them in Wilkinsons the alarm bells did start to ring (in my head, not in Wilkinsons) because I thought I'd seen it somewhere that they grow from seed. These are a pack of 10, quite large, just labelled "Banana Shallots" and look just like, well, banana shallots. There are no growing instructions, except "plant September/October". Have I been conned? I'm not eating them, they were �2 for 10. I'll take them back first. You already know that I'm a bit weird anyway.

**rustylady** · 10-09-2011, 07:41 PM

Wilkinsons are selling banana shallot sets. Like Flo, I wouldn't have known they can only be grown from seed. So what are these sets then?

**Two_Sheds** · 10-09-2011, 07:44 PM

I've tried to grow them from Aldi eating banana shallots: they didn't do nuffin

**Florence Fennel** · 10-09-2011, 07:52 PM

Something I thought was too good to be true - wasn't. If I wasn't so rubbish at searching I'm sure I would find a quote on here somewhere about 1 banana shallot seed = 1 banana shallot unless I've had a dream about it. I feel a bit of a complaint coming on directed at Wilkinsons.

**zazen999** · 10-09-2011, 08:00 PM

I think if you planted them one of 3 things might happen.

a - they might not actually be a 'true' banana shallot, just a banana shaped shallot, so might grow and split like you'd expect. The way to tell is - do any of them feel as if they are starting to split into 'cloves' - if so, then they might just be labelled 'banana shallot' to attract high class customers to try growing a bag [see what I did there?].
b - they might grow a flower and give you seeds
c - they might do nowt

**Snadger** · 10-09-2011, 08:15 PM

Theoretically any allium that can be grown from seed can also be grown from a set.

I always grow banana shallots from seed,(have lots drying off at the mo) but purely because I didn't know sets were available?
A 'set' of any allium relies on the fact that alliums are biennials. If seeds are sown in close proximity this will limit the plants size in the first year and create a set. The set can then be planted the second year and attain a decent size before running to seed.

The key word here is 'theoretically'!

**zazen999** · 10-09-2011, 08:33 PM

I thought this was a shallot though - which would be expected to split - rather than a set which is just an immature allium that will be replanted to grow over the winter.

Even my potato onions can be found starting to separate at this time of year [and they aren't planted out yet] so a little feel might put Flo's mind at rest.

**bearded bloke** · 10-09-2011, 08:38 PM

I would plant them Flo,my local branch had run out so looked on tinternet tother day ..........

Taylors Allium cepa "Vigamoor" (French Banana Shallot Onion) Sets x 10 [TAYLOVP380] | Capital Gardens

**SarrissUK** · 10-09-2011, 11:24 PM

They had sold out at Wilkos when I was there last, or I would've got that set too. I got some garlic there though as they were reasonably priced... Got some other garlic from elsewhere too, in case it's not so good. We can test'em together Flo!

**Aberdeenplotter** · 11-09-2011, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by Snadger View Post

Theoretically any allium that can be grown from seed can also be grown from a set.

Correct and they should be virtual clones of the parent plant as this is a form of vegetative reproduction.

As far as culinary shallots bought from a supermarket are concerned, if they do not grow when planted, the probability is that they have been treated with a growth inhibitor to stop them throwing shoots and spoiling their look on the shelf. As an exhibitor, I'm always on the lookout for good quality well shaped veg that can be grown for the showbench and once bought some superb shallots on a rope from Costco. Not a one grew anything more than a tiny green shoot. We don't know what we are eating from the supermarket shelves.

**Dead Dogs** · 11-09-2011, 10:01 AM

Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post

I've tried to grow them from Aldi eating banana shallots: they didn't do nuffin

Tut tut Two sheds, double negative. I thought better from you.

**Aberdeenplotter** · 11-09-2011, 04:57 PM

Originally posted by Dead Dogs View Post

Tut tut Two sheds, double negative. I thought better from you.

Tsk, you just didnae no know what she meant

**Florence Fennel** · 11-09-2011, 05:25 PM

The "sets" are about 3" long banana shaped, about an inch diameter thick. Looks like I should give them a try then? So back to my original question which was how deep and how far apart please?

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