bolting shallots- can the bulbs be saved and replanted?

davespitzer · June 27, 2011

I planted some Ambition shallot seed (F1) from Territorial last fall, hoping for an early crop. I also planted in the spring, as usual. The spring planted crop is in excellent shape, but the fall planted seeds, which germinated and overwintered well, all (100%) bolted. I removed the spathes as soon as they appeared but left the scapes, thinking that that would force bulb development. The result is sort of half-and-half, a bulb and a scape in one.
Does anyone have experience with vegetative reproduction of shallots? I am thinking of harvesting and drying what I have, then planting the bulbs to see if they will produce usable bulbs next year (or later this year). Any input would be appreciated. Dave

June 27, 2011	#1
davespitzer Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: East of Stockton, California Posts: 97	bolting shallots- can the bulbs be saved and replanted? I planted some Ambition shallot seed (F1) from Territorial last fall, hoping for an early crop. I also planted in the spring, as usual. The spring planted crop is in excellent shape, but the fall planted seeds, which germinated and overwintered well, all (100%) bolted. I removed the spathes as soon as they appeared but left the scapes, thinking that that would force bulb development. The result is sort of half-and-half, a bulb and a scape in one. Does anyone have experience with vegetative reproduction of shallots? I am thinking of harvesting and drying what I have, then planting the bulbs to see if they will produce usable bulbs next year (or later this year). Any input would be appreciated. Dave