onions/shallots

[fumanchu]

I've got a wee plot all ready , can somebody tell me when is the latest date to plant onions please ?

[grahamhobbs]

Before the end of the month really, but if later they will still grow but will just not grow as big.

[fumanchu]

many thanks !

[Green Aura]

We didn't plant ours til about May last year. Can't remember why we were so late but I do remember the sets were freebies with our seed potatoes. Didn't seem to hurt them we harvested a fairly decent crop that lasted until just before Christmas.

[fumanchu]

OK ta, I dont need to hurry then.

[liskeardjane]

the pack says - plant after the frost - well that could be May!!!! so we put them in last weekend and hope for the best!!!!

[seasidegirl]

I've planted mine too close together so I expect this will mean they will be small. Don't really mind as long as they are edible.

[pelmetman]

Each year is obviously different depending on the weather and where you live. We have always enjoyed moving around and lived in Dorset, Hampshire, Essex and Lincolnshire. We have learned the further North you live the shorter the season. If you are down South plant now, middle get a cloche, up North get a polytunnel.

[Millymollymandy]

I plant onions in April, harvest around July/August time.

I planted shallots last week before the latest ice age came, first time I'm growing them but what I read said mid Feb to mid March as they need a period of cold (they've got it! ).

[fumanchu]

Are shallots just the same to plant as onions ? I might be too late now though. I know this sounds mad but until last week I had never tasted one, never knew what they were ...

[bonniethomas06]

Fumanchu - I was the same until a couple of yrs ago.

Shallots are basically just slightly sweeter and milder versions of onions. I use them interchangably but I think in recipes where the flavours are milder, shallots are better - others may disagree. The bonus with shallots is that one 'set' divides up in to several shallots (they grow in a little cluster) so they are more space efficient IMHO.

But just when I had gotten my head round normal shallots, someone told me they were growing Bananna Shallots - ?!?

[fumanchu]

let's hope that refers to the shape and not the flavour. I don't really fancy my mince & tatties banana flavoured...