Planting garlic, shallots and onions

Where to plant?

Garlic, shallot and onion are three plants from the allium family. They thrive in sunlight, in any soil provided it is well-drained, as they dislike stagnant moisture.

In what type of soil?

Not very demanding, they do not require prior compost addition.

A soil that is too rich or has been fertilised too recently is even discouraged, as this would increase the risk of rot and result in poor preservation.

If your soil retains water, we recommend planting garlic, onion, and shallot on a mound to facilitate drainage.

When to plant?

The planting of bulblets and bulbils occurs:

Garlic:

• in February – March (from January in mild climates) for pink garlic and in October,
• in December for white garlic and purple garlic

Onion:

• from February to April, depending on the varieties,
• in autumn, in October – November, in regions with mild winters.

Shallot:

• from February to April, for pink shallots (or in October – November in mild climates),
• in October – November, for grey shallots.

How to plant?

Plant in ranks spaced 25 cm apart, directly in the ground or, if your soil is heavy and retains water, on small mounds with flat tops, 10 to 20 cm high.

The planting distances to be observed are as follows:

• Garlic: 12 cm between each bulbil
• Onion: 15 cm between each bulblet
• Shallot: 20 cm between each bulblet

The actual planting is done using a dibber or simply by hand, burying the bulblet or bulbil so that the tip is level with the surface.

Note that garlic is supplied in heads: detach each small pod before planting. Those located on the periphery are known to be the most productive. Ensure that the roots are positioned downwards and the tip upwards!

No watering is necessary after planting.