Shallot
Allium cepa aggregatum
Characteristics
- Type: Vegetable, Hybrid
- Zone: 4 – 10
- Height: 12 – 24 Inches
- Width: 6 – 12 Inches
- Sun: Full Sun
- Soil: Well-Drained, pH 6.0 – 6.5
- Days to Maturity: 110 – 120
Culture
The Shallot is a member of the Allium genus, which includes onions, garlic, chives, and several ornamental plants. The term “shallot” refers to a particular group of plants in an onion subgroup, known as “multiplier onions,” that produces two or more bulbs per plant. Although shallots were once considered a separate species (Allium ascalonicum), they are now categorized botanically as an onion variety (Allium cepa var. aggregatum).
A Shallot has a mild taste that combines the flavor of a sweet onion with a touch of garlic. Shallots multiply in the ground like garlic, but the individual bulbs have concentric layers like onions. Moreover, shallots are generally smaller than garlic bulbs and have a mild onion flavor.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Traditional shallot plants are a true long day variety and can be planted in intermediate day areas if planted early; we just caution that they may not reach full size potential outside of long day areas.
Problems
Click here for more information about disease issues and pests.
Uses
Shallots have a mild onion/garlic flavor and can be used in any recipe calling for onions, especially if you want a milder taste. They are great raw or cooked.