Shallots

[James]

My shallots are starting to flower. First time I have grown them

Is now a time to dig them up or do they need longer in the ground?

thanks

[chickenchaser]

Hi James,
I've never grown them but the RHS site says remove flower spikes as soon as they appear and harvest in July when the foliage starts to turn yellow.

Hope that helps. I'm sure an expert will be along to help soon.

[Johnhson]

Them folks at the RHS know their onions

The advice is bang on.

[bluebell]

Yey - I'm lifting my shallots this week.

I've never grown them before - duh, didn't realise you got loads from one plant, so Chris and I will have pickled shallots coming out of our ears!!!!

[lancashire lass]

Hi bluebell - shallots store very well for several months so pickling loads is not necessary Don't forget to hang on to some to plant out next year!

[bluebell]

Hi Lancashire Lass - I'll keep some just to use in cooking, but if things stay still long enough in our kitchen they tend to get made into jams, chutneys and pickles!!!

Need to clear some shelves in our kitchen - actually, I can't do anything till the builders decided they have had enough of our tea and coffee and clear off!!! I am currently sitting in the only room in our house which is half decent.

(memo to self - if they say it will take a month it will take 6!!!)