Shallots instead of onions

[Jimmy]

I usually grow a bag of onion sets. Results are variable but I usually get two or three ropes.
However I normally use them for sandwiches or salads and they are usually too big.
Shallots look about the right size for a butty.
Would they make a good subsitute ?
Which variaty would be recommended, round might be preferable?
Thanks
Jimmy

[ancee]

hi Jimmy. I got a big bag from wilkos for £2 last year. About 50 in them. Can't remember the variety. They're in store now though. They really are perfect for a butty, as it is a bit of a pain chopping up one onion and then having half left which stinks the fridge out. Not as pungent either with a more delicate flavour. Ooh hark at me! Been watching a bit too much master chef I think!

[Lumpy]

I used to grow onions particularly the red ones but as both (normal and red) are so cheap I try and grow a few banana shallots.

Ancee is right about the flavour although as stated they can be tricky little beggars to peel and I don't think that they store as well as the standard onion.

Strangely I have never had rust on the shallots unlike the bigger cousins.

[Alison]

I don't think that they store as well as the standard onion.

I find they store better than standard onions although it may depend on variety. I also think they're easier to grow in that they don't bolt or sulk.

[WendyC]

Red Sun is my favourite variety but I've not really grown one that I wouldn't grow again. Without wanting to tell you something you already know, they grow differently to onions in that one shallot set splits in 6-8 as it grows.

[Lisasbolt]

I love shallots, lovely sweeter taste to a normal onion.

You could do some silverskin onions that are used for pickling, i have seem the tied up in massive bunches with their skins dried out, but i have no idea how long they would last for.

[Bill Door]

No suggestions for variety as I think all shallots are good. I prefer my shallots pickled so I don't like them too big (use sherry vinegar). I also think that the smaller shallot is good for cooking whole. I grow the banana shallot (really an onion) for chopping and cooking as they are much easier to chop up small.

Give several types a go and see what works best for you.

Enjoy your gardening.

Bill

[Lumpy]

Alison is so right. All shallots depend upon their variety, soil comdition, weather in you location etc etc.

My advice, for what it's worth is give them a go and see what you think as to whether they forfil your needs.

Good Luck

[rary]

Hello Jimmy, you could try starting onion sets off in a 3in. square pot, I use a 15 section tray, plant three onions per section and grow them on, you could try four to a section for what you want, once weather permits I put them out into the garden, being grown close together they dont grow as big and I find that they are an ideal size for my requirements,

[Tripmeup]

As people say , you should be aware that they have a sweeter taste than onions ...so whilst I do grow some ( mainly potato onions), I couldn't be without my onions

[vixylix]

I only grow shallots - I love them! Last year I used shallot sets, but they are definitely fiddly to peel. This year I'm only growing banana shallots (from seed) - they're nicer, easier to peel and much more expensive in the super market!

[Jimmy]

Thanks for the replies.
I think Wilko are now selling Shallots.
Shall get the Wife to investigate.
Jimmy

[Gillykat]

I got two varieties of shallots from Wilko last week - Golden Gourmet and Red Sun - so I'll see how they go this year

Also got a bag of onion sets and when I opened it up to check they were all ok (only 5 were not as firm as I'd like so they went in the bin) I was still left with 168 That seems an awful lot so I may put some in pots and give them to my friend to sell in her cat rescue charity shop

[Bill Door]

So GillyKat you are not a paragardener then. Most of us would be trying resuscitation and electric shocks followed by module rest before throwing any shallot/onion out if it felt "soft".

You will be surprised that 168 is just not enough but good luck and enjoy your gardening.

Bill

[Gillykat]

You will be surprised that 168 is just not enough but good luck and enjoy your gardening

I'll be cursing for chucking those five icky ones when I run out of onions before the end of summer then