What do you think shallots?

[Lisasbolt]

I love shallots, roasted whole, in so many dishes i cook but i have looked everywhere for the last year or 2 and cannot find sets anywhere here. Lidl* have got some very nice ones in do you think it would be worth trying to use these, i do not want to start from seed, i am not very good at it and i quite frankly do not have the time.
Thanks

[bramble]

Lisa, go for it. Your climate is warmer than here so they should be fine.
All the allium family are quite hardy.

[noviceveggrower]

You don't know until you try. I don't think I have ever had any problems with shallots or onions. Agree with Bramble they are quite hardy, must be as my two love planting them and they always survive even been stood on a couple of times

[Bigmallly]

Are they ordinary Shallots you should be ok, if they are Banana Shallots they can only be grown from seed.

[veggiechicken]

Depends on what sort of shallots. The "banana" shallots are not multipliers. If you plant them they bolt. I've tried

[Lisasbolt]

Oh you know i have know idea if they are banana or not

Just did not know if they might have been treated with something.

I will pick up a little bag next time i go in. I will blame you all if it doesn't work

[veggiechicken]

If they're long and thinnish, they're "banana"; if they're round, they're ordinary and should grow for you.

Or maybe not!!
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ets_86523.html

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ots_65207.html

[Bigmallly]

Ordinary Shallots.............

Banana - Echallion - Zebrune Shallots............

[roitelet]

There aren't usually any shallot sets at this time of year. They are usually about in Sept/Oct or the spring planted ones in March/April. Give Lidls ones a go but keep your eyes peeled.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Like many other exhibitors I grow the variety Hative De Niort. Very difficult to keep them from rotting and very difficult to source replacements if needed. Even if replacements can be found they are very expensive -around two quid per bulb

[Lisasbolt]

urmmmmm they are kind of in-between what do you think

[Lisasbolt]

From France and only says shallots.

Thanks for all your help

[roitelet]

Don't look like banana shallots to me should be fine.

[Snadger]

If they're long and thinnish, they're "banana"; if they're round, they're ordinary and should grow for you.

Or maybe not!!
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ets_86523.html

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ots_65207.html

I remember those threads, they had the first mention of Tangetisation, stifado and octopi!

Shallots sets are quite expensive but once you've grown them you can keep some back for the following year. They are the first member of the onion family I plant out into the allotment each year, usually in February the same time as I sow my parsnips.

[veggiechicken]

I remember - you said Rabbit and you've been Rabbiting ever since