Shallot
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
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Description
Shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) are a bulbous perennial plant highly valued in agroecology for their culinary versatility and ecological benefits. They belong to the onion family and are known for their mild, sweet flavor. In regenerative agriculture, shallots play a crucial role in enhancing soil health and deterring pests, making them an excellent addition to polycultures and food forests. They are typically planted in clusters, allowing for easy propagation and sustainable cultivation. Shallots are part of the herbaceous layer in a food forest and can be paired with carrots, beets, and lettuce as guild companions. Historically, shallots have been used in various cuisines and traditional medicine systems for their health-promoting properties.
Growing Details
Shallots thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility. Plant bulbs in early spring or fall, spacing them 20 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include carrots, beets, and lettuce. Avoid planting near legumes to prevent disease. Harvest when the tops yellow and fall over, typically in late summer. Cure bulbs in a dry,
Tags
Carbon Farming
Scented Plant
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Winter Edible
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Allium cepa var. aggregatum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Central and Southwest Asia
applicable geo region: Temperate regions worldwide
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of Jun for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of July for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of February
Indoor Start:
beginning
of February
Transplant:
beginning
of April
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: Shallots are prized for their mild, sweet flavor and are used extensively in cooking. The bulbs can be eaten raw in salads, pickled, or cooked in dishes such as soups, stews, and sauces. The green shoots are also edible and can be used as a garnish or in cooking. Shallots are rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Shallots have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are believed to support cardiovascular health, improve circulation, and boost the immune system due to their high content of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Shallots can be consumed raw or cooked to harness these benefits.
health concerns: Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
other uses: Shallots can act as a natural pest deterrent in gardens and serve as a companion plant to improve the growth and health of neighboring plants.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Allium cepa var. aggregatum
common names: Shallot; Eschalot; Multiplier Onion
family: Amaryllidaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Allium
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.2 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Medium
hardness:
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(6/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 2 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.3 m
max width: 0.2 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Shallots thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility. Plant bulbs in early spring or fall, spacing them 20 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include carrots, beets, and lettuce. Avoid planting near legumes to prevent disease. Harvest when the tops yellow and fall over, typically in late summer. Cure bulbs in a dry,
Potential Disturbances: To manage pressures like onion maggots and thrips, introduce beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and lacewings. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic solutions for fungal challenges like downy mildew and white rot. Practice crop rotation and maintain soil health.
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