Doh!

[caroline7758]

Planted shallots & onions today & realised after I'd finished that I'd planted the shallots closer together than the onions instead of the other way around (4" & 6" respectively). Hope it isn't vital!

[caroline7758]

[Curryandchips]

Interestingly, that is what I would have done. It shouldn't do any harm I guess to have the shallots closer ...

[adrianhumph]

Hi Caroline,  :D
                         shallots should have about 9 inches between each plant in rows about the same distance apart. This is to give enough room for them to divide, with shallots each bulb divides into 6 or seven  seperate bulbs. I think you should consider replanting them, as 4 inches apart will not give enough room for them to spread.

                                                                                  Adrian.

[Robert_Brenchley]

That's how I plant them; I'v only got the one row this year, but if I'm planting a bed, I put them in a grid a spread handsbreadth apart. Maybe more like 8 inches as I've got small hands.

[Hippychick]

I'd definitely replant the shallots as they do need quite a bit of room to divide.  I've got about 8-9 inches between mine as last time I planted some I got 6 divisions.
The onions will be fine .  I usually plant mine anywhere between 4-6 inches apart.  Depends alot on the variety,  red baron seem to like to spread quite wide while hyduro and radar are quite happy to be a bit closer together.

Have you ever tried planting shallots in the winter?  We ordered some from D T Browns and they are now dividing nicely and should be ready a good few weeks before the ones that are planted now.  We also have some onions we planted at the same time.  Just an idea for anyone who uses alot of onions/shallots like us.  Keeps us going all year round :D

[Robert_Brenchley]

Yes, I planted mine in December, and they're all well away. I may do it even earlier next time.

[laurieuk]

Distance really depends on what variety, Hative De Niore should only give you four perfectly round shallots,whereas some of the others will as some say give you more.If you are thinking of entering alocal show you would need round shallots.

[caroline7758]

Thanks, all. Luckily I only planted a couple of rows of shallots & 6 rows of onions!