Onion Seeds,
Zebrune Shallot

424 ReviewsSKU: #ON129Min. seed count: 100
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Description

(Allium cepa). Cuisse de Poulet du Poitou is a gorgeous heirloom French eschalion or "banana" type shallot yields plump, long, torpedo-shaped bulbs. Bulbs are brown tinged with pink. The flesh is very mild and sweet, and large yields may be had starting the first year from an early planting. Excellent keeping quality makes these gourmet shallots useful over a very long season!

Growing Tips: Zebrune shallots grow best in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil fertility. Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot. Applying mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Allium cepa
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
4–6 in.
Ideal Temperature
45–80°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Start Zebrune shallot seeds indoors early in the year, approximately 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors in spring, after hardening off, when the soil is workable and temperatures are consistently above freezing. This variety typically requires about 100 days from transplanting to reach maturity. If you’re not sure how to find your area's day length or first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, keeping the temperature around 60 F. Once seedlings are about 5 inches tall and have been hardened off, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.

How to Grow

Keep the planting area weed-free by using mulch or hand weeding regularly. Regular watering is very important, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. As the bulbs mature, reduce watering to allow the shallots to dry out slightly, which helps in curing for storage.

How to Save Seeds

  • Onions will cross with other onions, and occasionally they will cross with scallion types like Welsh onions and Hi Shi Ko bunching onions. Onions will never cross with leeks, chives or garlic.
  • If you are growing types that will cross, try to isolate varieties by at least several hundred feet or ideally up to one mile.
  • Onions are a biennial seed crop, so you will need to overwinter your first-year roots, ideally by digging them up and storing them for the winter. Replant in early spring, and allow onions to shoot up spikes of purple flowers.
  • Let seeds become dry on the plants. Pick seeds when they are hard and dark black, then bring them indoors to finish drying.
  • Once dry, separate the seeds from the husks or leave them on and plant them husks and all.

FAQ

Can Zebrune shallots be grown in containers?

Yes, Zebrune shallots can be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, and fill it with well-draining potting mix.

What are common pests affecting Zebrune shallots?

Common pests include onion flies and aphids. Proper garden hygiene and organic pest control methods can help manage these issues.

What makes Zebrune shallots different from traditional shallots?

Zebrune shallots are larger and more elongated than traditional round shallots. They have a milder, sweeter flavor, making them fit for both raw and cooked dishes.

How do I determine day length and first-last frost in my area?

Check out our blog post: Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources for links to online guides.

Browse our full range of onion seeds.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 24 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Good shallot flavor: Tastes like a shallot and cooks well as either shallot or onion.

  • Keeps for months: Bulbs stay firm in storage well into winter.

  • Excellent germination: Near-total germination when started indoors early.

  • Heads up: Bulbs often come round like an onion; this is a long-day type.

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