This French delicacy is the best shallot from seed. Matador will reward you with a high yield of mild flavoured, superb, rich red-brown coloured bulbs. The flavour is more subtle than onions and will give you shallots in just over six months. We love the taste of these and they really will earn their place in your kitchen garden.
SOW: during April and May, sparingly 1cm deep in rows about 30cm apart, but warm the soil first under cloches as cold soil upsets germination, thin when large enough to handle. Or, for an earlier start use trays or modules and sow late winter/early spring, prick out when large enough to handle. Harden off and plant out mid to late spring.
GROW: space at 5-10cm apart. Keep well-watered as the bulb swells. Harvest from 12 weeks onwards. You may find that they will start to divide late in the season although single bulbs when starting from seed are more usual.
EAT & ENJOY: lovely flavour that will complement your dishes.
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