Shallots...plant out or under cover....

[Noggy]

Hi All,

I have some shallot sets and have read they need to be planted out now...however I have also read that you can plant them in individual cells in the greenhouse to give them a boost and plant them out when the weather improves. I have also read that they hate root disturbance. Any input would be welcome.

Many Thanks,

Noggy.

[Nicos]

You could do either
We put ours onto potting compost to establish the roots and then plant them out.
If the roots get a bit tangled they easily shake free.

It seems to stop the birds from yanking them out too!

We've no greenhouse over here so I'll do the same- tis my weekend plan- and leave them in the barn for a couple of weeks. Will see how that goes!

I've never had any die after transplanting!

[Snadger]

Yep, for some reason shallots are always planted earlier than onion sets!

From now and through March either indoors or outdoors depending on where you live and which way you fancy!

[Noggy]

Thanks for that, I guess it may be toss a coin time. :-). I think I will split the sets and try both methods. I will let you know how it goes.

Cheers for now,

Noggy.

[kentvegplot]

Started mine in modules - I can see little roots coming out of the bottom already. Will plant out in a week or so.

[Convict 225]

Depends on Cost!

I buy most of my shallots as loose (choose your own) sets at the garden centre. They are normally sold by weight so picking the smaller ones gives better value.

I never bother starting these indoors. Just put them out in any reasonable area of garden (flower bed will do!) that isn't waterlogged and gets a fair bit of sun every day.

With the expensive types, exhibition varities or the long and half-long sorts that are appearing more and more, I would sart them indoors. It's just protecting your investment to give them the best possible start.

[gojiberry]

Have tried both methods and did not find any advantage in starting them off in pots. One of the reasons for planting early is to get some cold weather on them as that is what makes them split into multi bulbs. Just remember that French type shallots do not split and only produce one bulb.

Ian

[bluemoon]

We always plant ours in January straight outdoors. My old grandad reckoned they needed a cold snap in the same way that garlic does. He might have been wrong about that, but the shallots grow well anyway.

[Wren]

My shallots went out in October and are now growing lush and green . They have been there through the harsh frosts and snow and have shrugged it all off. You are south enough to get them out now.

Wren

[Alice]

I planted mine in November along with the garlic. They've got little green shoots up now so looking fine to me.