onions & shallots from seed

True shallots (produced in the traditional way from bulbs) have a dry matter content of 20 - 25% - i.e. more stored starch, sugars, etc - which is why they are favoured by all those TV cooks. Ordinary onions, produced from seed or sets, have only 10 - 15%. Seed occasionally produced by true shallots, and the 'shallot seed' sold in the catalogues give bulbs with the same dry matter content as ordinary onions - they may look like shallots in size and colour, but they ain't the real thing!

Some kinds of garlic can under some conditions produce seed, but most of the literature on this refers (whether it is acknowledged or not) to 'elephant' or 'jumbo' garlic, which is a form of leek. It may have its merits, but, again, it ain't the real thing.

 

I am really pleased with my shallots from seed which I have never grown before. They are more like onions for size. I would like to get some to flower so I can collect my own seed. Anyone done this? Any tips?

 

Which variety have you grown ? Are they described as 'open -pollinated ' ? Only have experience of Zebrunne (from realseeds); understand that they are really an onion and will not divide like a 'real' shallot. If their traits are as onion, it may be possible to replant next season , when one could expect that it would flower, and possibly produce seeds but have not tried that (yet !)

 

I wouldn't bother, they are not that expensive.

 

I know Pete, but it's the challenge! I want to see what I get. The ones I grew were an F1 so they will be F2 generation, not the same but still shallots. I could pick the best to grow in future, we'll see.

 

I'm all for experiments, just grow some of known performance at the same time.

 

I might well do that, Pete!