Lorient Shallot Sets 1/2 lb. : Lorient is a traditional shaped shallot with a rust colored skin and light pink flesh. Bulbs can grow to 2".
Planting Shallots : Shallots grow well in average garden soil, but do best in rich well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter. Sets can be planted in fall or early to mid spring. Shallots require a dormant period of about 30 days soon after planting with temperatures between 32° and 50°F. Shallots will produce a heaver yield if the soil is kept evenly moist. Shallot set should be planted six to eight inches apart. Depth of planting should but so that the tops of the shallot sets are just barely below the soil and the pointed tip is up. The optimum PH for shallot is 5.5 to 6.8. Shallots will grow in soil temperatures ranging from 35°F to 90°F. Shallots grow best in full sun, but they will tolerate partial sun.
Caring For Shallots : Shallots do well when planted in soil that has had aged compost added to it, with more aged compost added at mid season. Kept the soil evenly moist and do not allow to soil to dry out. Shallots grow best when they are kept free from weeds so that they do not have to compete for nutrrients and water. Shallot roots are shallow so take care when cultivation or weeding is done. Fertilizer by adding 3# of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. feet into the soil before planting. A sidedress of 2# of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. feet should be added twice during the growing season.
Harvesting Shallots : The green top can cut after about 30 days of growing. The green set can be dug and used about 45 to 50 days after planting. Mature bulbs can be harvested after the tops wither and turn brown. Hang to mature bulbs up to dry, or store them in a mesh bag with good air flow.
Common Shallot Problems :
DISEASES: downy mildew, bacterial soft rot, neck rot
INSECTS: onion maggot, onion thrips