RHS Award

Shallots can be used in a variety of dishes. They are really delicious when put whole into a casserole in the winter months.

Growing from seed allows each seed to became a shallot therefore there is no need to break up at harvest time. Matador Shallots give a very high yield of globe shaped bulbs with a deep red colour.

When to sow

February to April

Where to Sow

Early sowing can be made underglass in modules , sow 1-2 seeds per module on the surface of seed sowing compost and lightly cover with a sprinkling or vermiculite or compost , and place at a temperature of 14°C. Outdoor sowings can be made in April , sow seed thinly in shallow drills 1.5cm (1/2in) deep, with rows spaced 30cm (12in) apart.

What to do next

Greenhouse sown modules can be moved to a cold frame in April to harden off before planting outside 5cm (2in) apart . Outdoor sowings can be thinned to the same distance as above. Thinnings can be eaten as spring onions.

Harvest

September to October

HANDY TIP

Feed as soon as the bulbs start to swell after the longest day with a high nitrogen feed, followed by another feed 5 weeks later.

Nutritional Values

High in Vitamin C, Potassium, Fibre, Folic Acid, Calcium and Iron.