When To Harvest Shallots Planted In Spring

So, you've decided to grow shallots, huh? Good for you! They're like the cool cousin of onions, you know? Less tears, more flavor. But hey, you're here because you want to know when to harvest these little jewels, right? Let's grab a coffee and chat about it.

Spring Planting, Summer Harvesting

Alright, so you've planted your shallots in the spring. You're already ahead of the game! Now, let's talk about when to reap what you've sown.

Here's the thing, shallots take their sweet time. They're not like those quick-grow greens you can harvest in a jiffy. No, no, shallots need a good six to eight months to reach their full potential. So, if you've planted them in spring, you're looking at a summer harvest.

When to Start Checking

Around late June to early July, start keeping a keen eye on your shallots. They're like teenagers, you know? One day they're small, the next day they're towering over you. Well, not quite, but you get the idea.

Here's what you're looking for: the tops start to turn yellow and fall over. Now, don't go panicking if a few tops turn yellow early. It happens. Just keep an eye on the rest. When about half of the tops have turned yellow, it's time to start thinking about harvest.

Time for a Dig

So, you've decided it's time to harvest, huh? Let's do this! Grab a fork - yes, like the one you eat with, but a bigger, stronger version. We don't want to stab our shallots, just gently lift them out of the ground.

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Here's a tip: If you're not sure if they're ready, try lifting one. If it comes out easily, it's time. If it's still stuck, give it a few more days. Patience, grasshopper.

Curing Time

Alright, so you've harvested your shallots. Great job! But we're not done yet. Now it's time to cure them. This is like a shallot spa day, helping them store for longer.

Here's what you do: Spread them out in a single layer in a well-ventilated area. A garage or shed works great. Leave them there for a couple of weeks. This lets the necks (that's the bit that connects the bulb to the leaves) dry out and close up.

Image: Shallot Planting Guide Calendar - Miklix

Once they're cured, you can brush off the dirt, snip off the tops, and store them in a cool, dark place. They should keep for months. Isn't that amazing?

Storing Your Harvest

So, you've cured your shallots, and now you're wondering how to store them, right? Well, here's the thing: shallots are like Goldilocks. They don't like it too hot, they don't like it too cold. They like it just right.

Ideally, you want to store them in a cool, dark place. A pantry or basement works great. Just make sure it's not too humid, and not too dry. Think Goldilocks again. You want the temperature to be between 40-50°F (4-10°C).

And there you have it! You've grown and harvested your own shallots. Isn't that something? Now go make some amazing dishes with them. You've earned it!