[Goosegirl]

I got some shallots with my garlic (which has been planted) thinking they would stay dormant over winter in our cold utility room but they have started to sprout. Is it ok to plant them now?

[New shoot]

You have nothing to lose by trying.  Unfortunately once they are going, you can't store them successfully. 

[Paul Plots]

You could try planting them into large cells or small pots and keeping them in a cold greenhouse..(or cold-frame)... that way they wouldn't get such a sudden shock by being put straight outside but would have time to adjust and make roots.

If they do take in the greenhouse or cold-frame (if you have one) they could stay there in the cool until spring then be planted out early perhaps.

It seems a bit of a fuss but I often start mine off indoors first then plant them out once they are well underway - it has worked for me in the past... resulted in bigger plants and good size shallots. (Different time of year though)

[Goosegirl]

Thanks Paul - that seems a good idea.

[Beepee]

Planting out now is only a few days early, surely???  Isn't it traditional to plant shallots on the shortest day and lift them on the longest.  Maybe this only works in the right part of the country where the weather is suitable???

[New shoot]

It depends on the variety and your soil conditions tbh.

Seed companies tend to sell autumn planting varieties and spring planting ones nowadays.  If you get spring ones sent out early, the ideal would be to store them until your soil is dry enough for them to root and get away, rather than rot.

If they start growing leaves, this drains the bulb, so they have to be planted up straight away.