allium cepa

Germination: Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days. The optimum soil temperature for sprouting is between 60–75ºF. Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, ensuring soil temperatures remain between 60–75ºF. Sow seeds in flats 1/4 inch deep and 1/4 inch apart. Transplant seedlings outdoors in mid to late spring, spacing them 2–6 inches apart depending on bulb size. Fertilize seedlings with a liquid feed every 7–10 days. Seedlings should be approximately pencil-thick when ready for transplanting.

Outdoor Sowing: Sow seeds outdoors in early to mid-spring once the soil reaches at least 55ºF. Plant 1–3 seeds per inch and thin them to 2–6 inches apart. Larger bulbs require more spacing.

Planting Yield: A single packet of seeds will plant a 15–30 foot row.

Harvesting: Stop watering about a week before harvest. Pull plants when the necks begin to soften and fall over. Cure shallots in the sun for a few days, then finish drying them out of direct sunlight in a warm area. Lay them in a single layer to allow air circulation until the necks are completely dry. Store in a cool, dark place at 35–40ºF with 65–70% humidity.

Tips for Growing: Zebrune Shallots thrive in fertile, well-drained soil. Amend soil with compost or use an organic granular fertilizer. Consistent watering is essential for optimal growth, ideally about 1 inch per week.

These seeds are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. The collection features heirloom and heritage seeds that are personally cultivated organically without the use of any chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, non-GMO seeds, this selection preserves biodiversity through open-pollination.