Why did my shallots grow small?

Question

This year I planted a batch of shallots and let them grow until the tops dried up. Which was about 60 days since planting. But when I pulled them up, the cloves were extremely small. What happened?? Should I replant them and try again?

Answer 1

I don't know what size you expect your shallots to grow to, because they are generally small. Weather conditions have a great influence on how big or how small they grow. All plants have a precise season, and as I have experienced with flower plants, if they are planted late they will not be so good as they would, if I had planted them sooner. I would not recommend you re-plant them.  

Answer 2

Mr Mole is right - shallots are supposed to be quite small. They might have got bigger if you had planted them earlier, but I wouldn't plant them again - it's too late now. Competition from weeds can sap a lot of nutrients and water and make shallots and onions, and many other things, grow smaller. Was your patch weedy? If not, I'd suggest it's down to the planting date. I've heard it said 'plant shallots on the shortest day, pick them on the longest day'. That's about 6 months, not 60 days. Mine took four months to grow. Some of them were a bit small but most were a decent size.