[jambop]

Trying some zebrune shallots from seed this year. I have them sown in a small cold frame which although unheated get warm quite quickly when the sun gets on it and they are now through. I cover it at night with a thermal blanket to try and keep the cold out. Question is though are these seedlings badly affected if it gets a bit chilly while they are small? I have heard it said that onions will be inclined to bolt if they get too cold when they are being raised from seed wondered if shallots are the same?

[Markw]

I have grown these for the past few years, I would say if they get to hot is the condition that causes them to bolt,  I never had any bold over the last few years but keep them well watered in the early stages. they don't mind a bit of cold and I have never covered them .. They are one of the best banana shallots I have grown I am still eating last years supply.

[Snoop]

I grow them too. Where I am in Spain, it is a bit extreme: very cold in winter and very hot in summer with drought interspersed with torrential storms. I've never had Zebrune bolt, whatever the weather.

That said, I don't sow them anything like as early as this.

[jambop]

I just sowed them early because the seed suppliers notes said it could be done under cover so I thought why not give them a try. The have germinated well in the little coldframe so happy about that but was worried about low night temps, I do cover them at night though.
They are obviously a good keeper then Markw ? This is one of the reasons I have grown them I find that my onions tend to be prone to rotting even though the get well dried out before storing.