Shallots

[Artisan]

Being new to vegetable gardening I have started many of my posting In the same way!!!

Having never grown Shallots before I need answers to my questions. I have just noticed that some of my Shallots have sent up a stem with a flower bud. Is this normal? If not is there anything I can do? Do I remove the stem to prevent all the energy going to the flower and not the bulb or do I just leave them to flower?

I look forward to any help and advice.

[Snadger]

I normally get rid.. You have to do it carefully though in case you uproot the whole plant.

[Jay-ell]

Unless you're going to have a crack at developing your own types cut it off.

You could try saving the seed (which may have been pollinated by a shallot or an onion), sowing it next year, keep the best of the resulting bulb to plant it again and see which ones split, each bulb having its own unique qualities and the possibility of being a new variety.

or you might not - they may all be rubbish.

[Bill Door]

Yes agree with what has been said, "nip it in the bud". So take the bud off by pinching it out at the top. Then see if you can tie a piece of coloured wool around the stem that is left. This is so that you know that the bulb was bolting and can use it up straight away after lifting the crop, as it will not store well.

best wishes
Bill

[Artisan]

Bill. Thank you for the advice. I'm off to raid my wife's knitting basket!!

[Jay-ell]

So you're not going to develop your own strain then.

[Artisan]

Shallots

Its a strain just keeping on top of the caring for all the vegetables I've planted. One strain is enough!