Richters InfoSheet D5400  

Dutch Shallot Planting Instructions

The dutch shallot, Allium cepa (Aggregatum group), is known also as the ‘multiplier onion’ because it is a very prolific onion, multiplying itself many times over during the growing season. One bulb produces up to 6-8 new bulbs over the summer. It has orange-yellow skin and white flesh, and a very pleasant onion flavour.

Dutch shallot is not winter hardy in temperate zones, so it is grown as an annual planted in the spring. Plant bulbs in a sunny, well-drained location as soon as the ground can be worked. Shallots prefer rich organic soil fertilized with well-rotted manure.

If bulbs cannot be planted immediately on arrival, keep them in the refrigerator (but not in the freezer).

Space bulbs about 10 cm (4 inches) apart, planting shallow so that the bulb tips peek through the soil (see figure). One kilogram of bulbs plants about 3 metres (10 feet) of row. Water thoroughly.

Within a few weeks, hollow onion-like leaves will appear. When weeding, care should be taken not to disturb the roots.

The leaves will start to yellow at the tips mid summer. At this time some soil should be removed from around the bulbs to allow ripening, but this must be done carefully to avoid disturbing the roots. Later when the leaves have died down, bulbs should be lifted and dried for several days, preferably in the sun, or otherwise in an airy, dry location such as a shed, garage or barn.

Store shallots in a cool, frost-free place. Save smaller bulbs for planting next season’s crop next spring.

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