Setup, Compatibility & Care
For the best results, prepare your site by incorporating well-rotted compost into the soil to ensure fertility and structure. Before planting, ensure the site has excellent drainage as shallots are prone to rotting in damp, heavy clays. When planting, place the sets so the tips are just visible above the soil line. Water them sparingly; they generally only need supplemental moisture during extended dry spells. Avoid over-watering, as waterlogging is the primary cause of poor bulb quality. Once the leaves die back naturally in the summer, lift the bulbs gently with a fork and leave them on the surface of the soil for a few days to dry out if the weather is warm, or move them to a well-ventilated shed to cure completely.