Shallots
Red Dutch and Nero shallots were new introductions to my gardens during the 2024 season.
Generally, shallots are smaller, more mild with an elegant complex flavor, and store poorly compared to yellow potato onions. They are generally oblong with height greater than width.
Why Grow Them? Since potato onions and shallots are both classified as “Allium Cepa Aggregatum” (i.e., multiplier onions), I want to observe the similarities/differences, and possibly cross-pollinate them with my potato onions sometime in the future.
I remember reading a Swedish University study that stated shallots and potato onions are genetically indistinguishable. Also, in the Norwegian and Danish languages, all multiplying onions are called shallots. In Swedish and Finnish, the names shallot and potato onion are alternately used. I've also come across a few internet searches that mix the two, calling them, "Red Dutch Potato Onions"; as far as I know, "Red Dutch" is a shallot.
French shallots are called eschalot.
Everything I share about potato onions also applies to shallots, from planting to harvesting and curing.
2024
August 25, 2024 - I started a paper towel test with 20 of my Red Dutch shallot seeds and 10 of my Nero seeds to evaluate viability and germination rate.
9/4/2024 - 15 of 20 Red Dutch shallot seeds sprouted - a 75% germination rate.
9/4/2024 - nine of 10 Nero shallot seeds sprouted - a 90% germination rate.
Nero Shallots
Purchased 41 bulbs for $13.13 USD ($0.32/bulb) from Fedco Seeds. Spring-planted on 4/10/24. Harvested 74 bulbs on 7/11/24, but 10 were mushy due to the rainy 2024 season.
Surprisingly, the bulbs are a deeper richer maroon/red than the Red Dutch variety, which is more of a blush pink.
Red Dutch Shallots
Purchased 42 bulbs for $38.85 USD ($1.08/bulb) from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. Fall planted 10/17/23 in a raised bed filled with a mix of composted pine mulch and sand. Harvested 410 bulbs on 7/14/24. All were firm and in good condition.
2023
Purchased 42 bulbs (24 oz/680 g) for $38.85 USD from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.
Soaked in a bleach/water solution and planted in a raised be on 10/17/2023 away from the gardens.
