Shall I shallot or not?

[Snadger]

The remains of my shallot harvest (about 3Kg) have just been retrieved from the pathway I threw them on when I dug them up in disgust. I went to get them because I read in GYO you can save them and re-plant them in spring.

The problem is, with the moist whether we have bean having they have started to put out new roots, quite a few in fact!

Should I re-plant them now, or let their roots dry out and plant in Spring?

[nick the grief]

Difficult Snadger, I would say first off re-plant but the trouble is if they have started to grow & then you stop them you may have a lot bolt (run to seed) as they will have received a check.

I lifted mine in june/july time & they have been sitting in the greenhouse in a seed tray full of perlite waiting to be planted in about December I start mine in pots in the cold greenhouse & then plant out later.

For the sake of a couple of quid I'd buy some new one's that haven't recieved a check.

[shallotman]

Snager. Old dockers used to plant there shallots on the shortest day & lift on the longest. P.J

[nick the grief]

& young Griefs PJ

[JazzDuke]

What are the best shallots for autumn planting? I would like something that multiplies well, not so interested in size/exhibition looks. And where is best/cheapest to buy them?

I've read lots of conflicting advice. Whats the grape concensus?

[nick the grief]

I grow Hative d Niort which is the classic exhibition shallot. They are quite expensive to buy but they are really good pickled There is a guy who advertises in Garden News that sels them for £9 for 25 !! if you are not into showing they can be a bit pricey. not sure what the other are like as I've never grown them.

I was given 10 for a start by someone & I think that went up to about 40 planted out in year 2 so they multiple up OK.

[JazzDuke]

I heard that Hative de Niort were the best, the classic exhibition one but multiplying to four doesn't sound great, I've read that others can give 6 quite easily?

[Snadger]

Snager. Old dockers used to plant there shallots on the shortest day & lift on the longest. P.J

The shortest day is in about a fortnight isn't it? If so, I might as well pop them in and hope for the best!
All I want is small shallots so I can make the classic Greek dish (who's name I have forgot! Doh!) which I had on holliday! Beef, in a tomato sauce with boiled shallots!
Yum,...... I can taste it now,......... and see the blue sky....and feel the warm water.......Blisssssssss

[eddie]

hi snadger that dish was stifado buitiful it is to

[Mrs Dobby]

hi snadger that dish was stifado buitiful it is to

Ah! Stifado, (pronounced Stiffatho), classic greek dish that I just happen to have a recipe for! (Got from Spiros from the Efftikae Restaurant in Sidari, Corfu about 20 years ago!) Shout out if you want me to post it!

[JazzDuke]

So, if not Hative de Niort for autumn sowing then what...?

[Earthbabe]

The shortest day is in about a fortnight isn't it? If so, I might as well pop them in and hope for the best!

That would be nice Snadger but unfortunately it's not until December 21 (the Winter Solstice). If it were in a fortnight we'd be having a very early spring.

[bramble]

Was about to point out about the shortest day Earthbabe but was too polite to do so. Glad you did it though else we would all be planting out shallots too early.

[Earthbabe]

I just had nice thoughts about having an early spring and summer but need to go through the dark end of the year first. I much prefer proper seasons or at least ones where the temperature varies a bit ie winter is colder than summer sort of thing.

[ChrisB]

Ah! Stifado, (pronounced Stiffatho), classic greek dish that I just happen to have a recipe for! (Got from Spiros from the Efftikae Restaurant in Sidari, Corfu about 20 years ago!) Shout out if you want me to post it!

Post it Post it - I looooove Stifado