Page 64 - JAMS Organic Farms Imported Seeds

4. 4575.53 Crème Brûlée (BGS-270) (F1) Shallot Seed, - 2 X 1000 seeds
Days to maturity – 105 days (Annual)
New! Hybrid "eschalion" is a standout in the kitchen. Iridescent peachy pink skin covers uniform bulbs. Also called "banana shallots", eschalions are highly desired by chefs because their elongated bulbs are easy to peel and cut, and their sugar profile is perfectly suited for caramelizing. Long storage potential. Adaptation: 40–60° latitude. AAS Regional winner for the Southeast, West/Northwest. NOTE: Crème Brûlée is listed in our 2021 catalog as BGS-270. Avg. 111,700 seeds/lb. Packet: 250 seeds
GROWING INFORMATION
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Allium cepa var. aggregatum
CULTURE: Shallots require full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Sandy loam soils are ideal; raised beds or raised rows are recommended for heavier soils to promote soil drainage. When planted at a close spacing, shallots are more likely to form a single bulb.
DIRECT SEEDING: In April or early May, or as soon as the soil can be prepared in early spring, sow in a 2" wide band, about 2 seeds/in., 1/4– 1/2" deep, rows 12–18" apart. Thin to 2" apart for highest yields in fertile soil. Thin to 3–4" apart for larger shallots.
TRANSPLANTING: In short-season areas, sow seeds indoors in flats in late February to mid-March. Broadcast 1/2" apart and cover 1/4". Tops may be clipped to 5" tall. Transplant to the garden 4" apart, or sow 5 seeds in each cell of 1–1 1/2" diameter plug trays, thinning to 3 per cell. Transplant each cell 6" apart.
CULTIVATION: Keep shallots well weeded with shallow cultivation.
WATER: Shallots are shallow rooted and grow best with at least 1" per week of rain or irrigation,
especially during the bulbing phase.
DISEASES: Adequate air circulation and crop rotation aids in reducing the risk of foliar disease
HARVEST: When necks become soft and tops are falling over, pull and sun-cure at least 2–7 days, depending on weather. Move to a protected location to finish drying.
STORAGE: When dry, clip off tops and roots and store in onion bags or shallow boxes at near freezing and 60–70% humidity.