[Yana]

In my determination to get my new half plot ship-shape, I have completely forgotten to plant out the shallots I have. Is it too late now? If it is, will it be OK to start them off in individual pots and then plant out later? 

[Jamrock]

It's certainly not too late, plenty of time yet 

[arugula]

No its not too late yet.

[JayG]

I plant mine in mid-Feb, conditions permitting, and they are usually ready sometime in July.

[Yana]

Phew. Thanks all. Can rest easy now.

[sowitgrowit]

I think I've got my overwintering onions in a little too far apart; considering bunging some shallots in the gaps just to see; they should be lifted at about the same time if the shallots go in shortly, shouldn't they?

[JohnB47]

I've  tried growing shallots over winter and they don't do any better than early spring planted ones. I'm waiting until March.

[JayG]

I think I've got my overwintering onions in a little too far apart; considering bunging some shallots in the gaps just to see; they should be lifted at about the same time if the shallots go in shortly, shouldn't they?

How big are the gaps?

Shallots are usually spaced at up to 8", onions about 6", although both can be squeezed a bit (by about 2") at the expense of the overall size of the final bulb/s.

(I'll let you work it out!) 

[Trillium]

I'll be starting my shallot bulbs in tall modules this weekend so the slowpoke roots can start to form. I can't plant mine out yet because I can't see the soil for all the snow piled on top.

[Wiltshire Worms]

ive just got my shallots in modules to start root development..plant out in a few weeks time under cloches if necessary

[DD.]

I'll just wander down the plot sometime in February, maybe March. Perhaps.

Stick them in the ground, come back in a few months after a few hoeings & feedings.


What's with all this worrying and faffing about?

[New shoot]

I get much better results if I start mine in modules and get some roots going, but my plot is very heavy soil   

One day when I have dug in a few more tons of compost, I'll get to direct planting 

[AnneB]

I think growing shallots from sets is one of the easiest crops to manage.  All I do is stick them in in early March and wait.  Might feed them once or twice and occasionally have to re plant the odd one if a bird pulls it up.  I do think the variety makes a difference though.  I now grow Longor every year and get a really good crop.

[Elmarto]

I bought some shallot sets this morning, I never grown them, it says wait til march to plant out so that's what I'm going to do! I'm getting eager now though! 

[DD.]

Let's not forget that you can get over-wintering shallots, just as you can get onions.

If the ones in question were over wintering ones, they could do with going in as soon as. If they are "spring" planted ones, February is plenty early enough & March is fine.