Shallots bolting

[Jimmy]

Hello
I tried shallots this year instead of onions.
I note that quite a few are bolting like the onions often did.
Is this normal ?
I assume the bolted ones will be rubbish.
Should I cut the heads off, will that improve them ?
Despondent, Jimmy.

[muddled]

Aww... don't be sad!

On our site lots of onions are bolting already so I don't think its anything you've done.
Start using those ones because they won't store well but they should still be fine to eat.

If too many bolt for you to use right away, slice them and freeze on a tray then scrape them into a freezer bag. They'll be good for months that way.

And yes, whip the flower stalks off.

[KevinM67]

Karma Jimmy.....

You should have planted flowers with them.

[Jimmy]

OK I will get my deflowering scissors out and run amok.
Pesky flowers, Ill teach em!
Jimmy.

[Bill Door]

You may get one shallot in the "bunch" that will bolt. However, the others will be fine to store. If you do snip off the flowers then tie wool or string around the stalk that is left so that when you dig them up you will know which ones should be eaten first and which can be pickled/stored.

You should have plenty to look forward to.

Best wishes

Bill

[Jimmy]

Thanks for the replies.
Will mark the ones with the snip!
Jimmy

[Small pumpkin]

Karma Jimmy.....

You should have planted flowers with them.

What ?? You mean like companion planting? Nasturtiums & marigolds
Explain yourself young man


I've started using some of my red onions because they are bolting ( and they have marigolds planted with them )

Sorry to hijack your thread Jimmy

[KevinM67]

What ?? You mean like companion planting? Nasturtiums & marigolds
Explain yourself young man


I've started using some of my red onions because they are bolting ( and they have marigolds planted with them )

Sorry to hijack your thread Jimmy

Nope, it was a bit acerbic on my part (which may result in me receiving a good doze of karma-related hell in return).

A while back Jimmy posted one of the funniest threads I've read on here - associating flowers as just being weeds.

I don't know if he was trolling or being serious at the time - but funny though.

[Jimmy]

A while back Jimmy posted one of the funniest threads I've read on here - associating flowers as just being weeds.

See recent post on flowers
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...eed_90174.html

I should point out I am not against flowers, just flowers for no reason.

Runner bean flower -- reason.
Courgette flower -- reason.
Pansies -- no reason apart from compost.
Roses -- no reason , well perhaps rose hips.
Foxglove -- no reason, well I suppose a poison potion might be a reason.
etc.

Jimmy

[KevinM67]

Jimmy, I'm sort of with you on this one.

I've never been a great fan of flowers - colourful, yes but I find them a bit 'twee' does that make sense ?

[Jimmy]

Perfect sense, non-edibles.
Jimmy

[Small pumpkin]

I used to be like you two boys and didn't see the point to flowers. But it turns out the old lady gene has started to kick in and now I like some flowers . still prefer the useful ones like edibles, wild ( feeds the bees that pollinat the veggies we grow ).

I hate roses and always will.....they bite

[veggiechicken]

Jimmy, you can eat pansies - and they have faces that make you smile

Growing Edible Flowers in Your Garden (National Gardening Association)

[Jimmy]

Jimmy, you can eat pansies - and they have faces that make you smile

Growing Edible Flowers in Your Garden (National Gardening Association)

Yes you are probably right.
You should ignore curmudgeonly old gits like me.
Anyway the click of the burners gets louder every day ....
Jimmy

[Chippy Minton]

Usually agree with the no flowers but we have some waste ground over the back which attracts some local "herbal" types. Have planted a "Rambling Rector" rose, which has white flowers, came from the local bee society so is wildlife friendly and is THE most ferocious plant I have ever come across (I have had to be untangled from it an a couple of occasions whilst weeding / tying in / pruning).

We now have pretty, wildlife friendly, razor wire.......