Shallots question

Hi there,

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice about shallots. I planted some for the first time a few months ago and a few days earlier noticed that the shallots were poking out of the soil. I thought that I hadn't planted them deep enough (although have since looked online and seen others that look the same) so I added some compost to cover them over. Yesterday they developed buds which look like they're about to flower.
I haven't seen anything about flowering, so has this happened because I mistakenly put the extra compost and have somehow screwed them up? Sorry if this is a dumb question - I'm a beginner! Thanks

 

We are all suffering with flowering onions and shallots, it`s down to the weather not you. Pinch the flower bud out and let them continue growing.:gnthb:

 

Truth is once they form a flower they are never going to make good bulbs, they will be OK but wont store well and may have a central core.
Best way to stop this happening is to keep them moist and growing all the time.
A check in growth is the usual reason.

Its got nothing to do with the weather as such.

 

Hi Magrat. Don't cover your shallots up with soil.
Once they start poking out of the ground, as mine are now, I finger round mine, clearing the soil out of the way and leaving the shallots on the surface to dry on the plant.
If they're running to flower (bolting) then I think I would lift them soon and use them. They won't store well will but be usable as lifted.
Don't want to get into a debate as to why they've bolted - I think it is weather related and nothing to do with what you have done.
Enjoy your shallots and better luck next year.
Must go and look at mine.

 

Thanks very much for advice! I'll clear the soil tomorrow from the top then and pinch the buds off. That's reassuring to know that it probably wasn't me mucking them up!