[mikegm]

I planted Red Barron shallots back in early Spring into a couple of large pots. Only a beginner I didn't thin these out so they have tended to 'clump' together. I have just lifted these and separated them. Can we use these now in salads etc and how long will they keep for?

[thestens]

Tended to clump? One planted shallot gives upto 8 shallots ( usually 4/5) If you have lifted them make sure you dry them well in shed or greenhouse. Its usually best to hang them to dry then you can store for quite a few month in a dry well aired space. Not too warm but the important thing is get them well dried.

[mikegm]

Thanks for that, now you have mentioned how each onion 'makes' a few more I remember reading that somewhere! I'll remember that in the future!

[sunshineband]

Save a few of the smallest ones to plant next season -- you'll never have to buy any again  

[GrannieAnnie]

Are you sure they are shallots and not spring onions?  Spring onions sometimes need thinning out if sown too close together, but shallots are usually planted about 6-8 inches apart and yes they do multiply.  Some of mine have 11 shallots from the original.

I only grow my shallots from 'sets' though, which is an actual shallot rather than from seeds.

I sowed too many spring onion seeds in a big box.  But even the skinny ones are very tasty.  I chopped some up tonight and added them to my bulgar wheat dish.  Very tasty!   

[A Reyt Tayty]

My shallots have only given 2 or 3 bulbs per set. Am I jinxed?

[Salmo]

If the variety was Red Barron then they are not shallots.

Red Barron are onions which can be grown from seed but are common variety sold as sets.

My shallots have only given 2 or 3 bulbs per set. Am I jinxed?

Exhibition shallot growers thin out to only 2 or 3  to achieve big bulbs so consider yourself lucky!!

[A Reyt Tayty]

My shallots have only given 2 or 3 bulbs per set. Am I jinxed?

Exhibition shallot growers thin out to only 2 or 3  to achieve big bulbs so consider yourself lucky!!

Oh deep joy!