How to Properly Grow Shallots for Good and Quality Harvest

Shallots are one of the common ingredients used in Indonesian cuisine. Besides providing a unique taste to dishes, shallots also have health benefits for the body.

To meet the need for shallots in cooking, you can grow them in your own backyard.

Here's how to properly grow shallots for a good and quality harvest:

1. Land preparation
The land to be used for growing shallots must be prepared first. Make sure the land has a good soil pH level, around 6-7. If the soil pH is too acidic, you can add dolomite or agricultural lime to neutralize the soil. In addition, make sure the land has good drainage and is not flooded.

2. Seed selection
Choose good quality shallot seeds. Good quality seeds will also give good results. Make sure the selected seeds are not defective or damaged.

3. Seedling
To speed up the growth of the seedlings, you can do seedling first. The method of shallot seedling is quite easy, by sticking the bulbs into the soil or growing media. Make sure the bulb is buried about 1-2 cm deep and the distance between bulbs is around 10-15 cm.

4. Planting
After the seedlings are ready to be planted, make holes in the prepared land with a distance of about 10-15 cm between holes. Then, insert the seedlings into the holes and cover them with soil. Make sure the seedlings are not too deep or too shallow.

5. Care
After planting, shallot plants must be well cared for. Make sure the plants are always sufficiently watered, especially during the dry season. In addition, do regular fertilization every 2-3 weeks. Use organic or manure fertilizers to provide good nutrients to the plants.

6. Harvesting
Shallots can be harvested when the plants reach an age of about 3-4 months after planting. The harvesting method is quite easy, by pulling the bulbs from the soil. Make sure the harvested bulbs are mature and dry enough.

Some additional tips for successful shallot planting are:

a. Weather conditions
Make sure to plant shallots during the appropriate season. Shallots require adequate sunlight, but too much heat can damage their growth and bulb quality.

b. Choose the right variety
Ensure that you choose the right variety of shallots based on the soil and climate conditions in your area. There are some shallot varieties that are resistant to certain diseases or pests.

c. Proper spacing
Make sure the spacing between each shallot plant is appropriate for the chosen variety. Planting them too close together will cause the plants to compete for nutrients and sunlight.

d. Fertile soil
Ensure that the soil in the planting area is fertile and has enough nutrients to support shallot growth. You can add manure or organic fertilizers to improve soil fertility.

e. Watering
Ensure that the plants receive sufficient water supply, especially during the dry season. However, do not overwater the plants as it can cause the bulbs to rot.

f. Leaf cutting
When the plants reach around 10 cm in height, cut the top leaves to encourage larger bulb growth.

g. Pest and disease control
Regularly control pests and diseases using natural insecticides or fungicides. Avoid using too many chemical pesticides that can harm the environment and health.

h. Storage
After harvesting, do not immediately wash the shallot bulbs. Let them dry and store them in a dry and cool place to maintain their quality and shelf life.

i. Crop rotation
To avoid soil nutrient depletion and contamination of diseases, it is recommended to rotate crops annually. Plant other crops besides shallots to improve soil conditions.

So, that's the right way to plant shallots to get a good and high-quality harvest. Good luck!

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