Can I regrow shallots from grocery store bulbs?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Growing your shallots using purchased bulbs is a low-cost option for starting your shallot plants. The bulbs should be organic. Some commercial varieties use sprout inhibitors on their bulbs. Separate the cloves carefully, while keeping the basal plate intact. When you plant the cloves, plant the root end down, and make sure to plant them in soil that has been amended with 2.5 cm (1 inch) of compost.
Bulb Selection
- Choose firm bulbs without mold or soft spots
- Prioritize bulbs with visible root buds
- Avoid refrigerated produce sections
Soil Preparation
- Mix 1:1 ratio garden soil and coco coir
- Maintain pH 6.0-6.8 with lime if needed
- Pre-water beds 24 hours before planting
Pest Prevention
- Apply cinnamon powder around bulbs to deter fungi
- Install yellow sticky traps for thrip control
- Companion plant with garlic 15 cm (6 inches) apart
Replant bulbs in dark, well-ventilated areas for a 10-14 day cure time before transferring them to the soil. Keep at 13°C (55°F) with 65% relative humidity during the curing time. The hardening-off period has proven to provide a 40% increase in survival when compared to planting directly, according to home gardening trials.
Read the full article: How to Grow Shallots: Essential Tips for Success
