Shallots Over-Subdividing

Question

I was lucky enough to get some shallot sets and wanted to compare them with shallots from seed (quite expensive). While the seeded shallots did well, the bulbs subdivided so much that all the harvested bulbs were far too small. What do I do to correct the conditions for next year’s planting of bulbs?

Answer 1

I would venture a guess that the bulbs just be replanted next season to gain the proper size. Not having grown shallots, this is strictly a guess, but many bulbous plants don't attain full size the first year...example, gladiolus, caladium, lily, tulip, daffodil, and dahlia. While these are not eaten, the smallest bulbs are replanted to become larger for the next season.