Onions - Laval - Shallot French Gourmet

Onions – Laval French Gourmet Shallot

Laval French Gourmet Shallots are a classic heirloom-style shallot prized by chefs for their delicate flavor and excellent culinary quality. These shallots produce attractive coppery-gold skins with pinkish-white flesh and a refined taste that is milder, sweeter, and more complex than standard onions.

French shallots are a staple in gourmet cooking and are especially valued for sauces, vinaigrettes, roasting, and caramelizing. When cooked, their flavor becomes rich and slightly sweet, making them a favorite in French cuisine. Laval shallots grow in clusters, producing several new bulbs from a single planted bulb, making them both productive and easy to propagate in the garden.

They store well after curing and are well suited to gardeners looking for a high-quality gourmet onion alternative. Their reliable growth and excellent flavor make them a favorite among home gardeners and market growers alike.

Growing Instructions (Zone 3b)

Shallots are hardy and perform well in cooler climates with proper planting timing.

• Planting Time: Plant bulbs in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, typically late April to May in Zone 3b. Fall planting may also work if heavily mulched.
• Sun: Full sun is recommended for best bulb formation.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0–7.0.
• Planting Depth: Plant bulbs about 1–2 inches deep with the pointed tip facing upward.
• Spacing: Space bulbs 6–8 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart to allow clusters to develop.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during early growth, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Growth Habit: Each planted bulb will divide and produce a cluster of several shallots underground.
• Harvest: Harvest in mid to late summer when tops begin to yellow and fall over. Carefully lift clusters and cure them in a dry, airy location for 2–3 weeks.
• Storage: Once cured, store shallots in a cool, dry place for long-term storage. Save some bulbs to replant next season.

Laval French Gourmet Shallots are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to grow premium culinary ingredients right in their own garden.