SHALLOTS GOLDEN GOURMET

Planting Information for Shallots 'Golden Gourmet' Bulbs

Shallots 'Golden Gourmet' are an excellent choice for home gardeners due to their high yield, sweet and mild flavor, and long storage life. These easy-to-grow bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and sunny conditions, making them perfect for vegetable gardens or raised beds. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to plant, care for, and harvest Shallots 'Golden Gourmet'.

How to Plant Shallots 'Golden Gourmet'

Best Time to Plant

• Autumn Planting: September to November for overwintering and an early summer harvest.
• Spring Planting: February to April for a later summer harvest.

Choosing the Right Location

• Full Sun: Shallots require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Well-Drained Soil: Prefers light, sandy, or loamy soil. Avoid heavy clay that retains too much moisture.
• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) is ideal.

Soil Preparation

• Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to break up compacted soil to a depth of 20-30 cm.
• Add Organic Matter: Mix in well-rotted manure or compost to improve fertility and drainage.
• Avoid Fresh Manure: It may encourage fungal diseases and excessive leaf growth at the expense of bulbs.

Planting the Bulbs

• Spacing: Plant shallots 15-20 cm apart in rows spaced 30 cm apart.
• Depth: Place bulbs just below the soil surface, ensuring the tip is still visible.
• Orientation: Point the narrow end of the bulb upward to ensure proper growth.

Caring for Shallots 'Golden Gourmet'

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering.
• Reduce Watering Before Harvest: Stop watering a few weeks before harvesting to allow bulbs to dry.

Fertilisation

• Balanced Fertiliser: Use a general-purpose vegetable fertiliser at planting and again in mid-season.
• Avoid Excess Nitrogen: Too much nitrogen will encourage leafy growth instead of bulb development.

Weeding and Mulching

• Hand Weed Carefully: Shallots have shallow roots, so avoid using tools that may disturb them.
• Apply Mulch: A layer of straw or compost helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest and Disease Control

• Common Pests: Watch out for onion fly, slugs, and snails. Use organic deterrents if necessary.
• Disease Prevention: Rotate crops yearly and avoid planting shallots in the same area as onions or garlic for consecutive seasons to prevent fungal diseases like white rot.

Harvesting and Storage

When to Harvest

• Spring-Planted Shallots: Ready in mid to late summer (July to August).
• Autumn-Planted Shallots: Harvest from early summer (June to July).
• Signs of Readiness: When the leaves turn yellow and start to fall over.

How to Harvest

• Gently Lift Bulbs: Use a fork or hand-pull them carefully to avoid damage.
• Cure Before Storage: Lay out in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks until the skins become papery.

Storage Tips

• Cool and Dry Storage: Store in mesh bags or braided strings in a cool, dark place.
• Avoid Moist Conditions: Prevents rot and extends shelf life (can last for 6 months or more).

Conclusion

Shallots 'Golden Gourmet' are a fantastic addition to any vegetable garden, offering a reliable and flavorful harvest with minimal maintenance. By following the right planting, care, and harvesting techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful supply of delicious shallots for cooking and storage. Happy gardening!

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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