Holland Red Shallots Bulbs (Bag of 10) Plant Spring and Fall

Shallots have a rich and sweet flavor that lends a distinctive touch to many dishes. This is the classic delicately flavored European variety so loved by gourmet chefs. These easy to grow shallot sets are cold hardy, heat tolerant and tasty. Very expensive to buy in stores, they're so easy to grow that you can use them lavishly. Plant in spring (fall in the South) and harvest in fall or plant in fall to overwinter for spring use. Space sets 12" apart. 10 sets will plant a 10 ft. row. The gourmet favorite; Dutch Shallot sets are easier to grow than starting from seed. These new varieties multiply extensively providing a fine assortment of sizes and are resistant to bolting. WHEN TO PLANT: Plant as early as possible in the spring as soon as your soil is workable. This is usually 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. WHERE TO PLANT: Shallots require rich, well-drained organic soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8 in a sunny spot for best results. They prefer even moisture throughout the growing cycle and are hardy to USDA zones 2-9. HOW TO PLANT: Separate bulbs into individual cloves and plant so that the points are just covered with soil; spacing each clove 6" apart in rows that are 12" apart. water well and mulch to reduce soil heaving and protect plants. If necessary apply a common fertilizer; 5-10-5 at a rate of 5 pounds per 100 square feet into the soil prior to planting. TIME TO HARVEST: Allow shallots to ripen thoroughly and leaves to wither just above the neck of the shallots. At that time remove from the garden; knock off the dirt and allow to dry for several days. Once dried, store by roping or hanging in netted bags in a cool, frost free dry spot for use throughout the winter.