Banana shallot Zebrune originates from France. This cross breed between a shallot and an onion has the best qualities of both varieties. It has a sweet, light and smooth flavour of a shallot and the best keeping qualities of an onion. The long banana-shaped light pink till light brown fruits can be kept fresh for a long period in time, when they're dried first in the sun. Use in lots of dishes to replace an onion or shallot. Annual.
Outdoor sowing: March - May
Germination: 4 - 10 days
Germination temp. : 10 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: 1 - 1¼ cm
Sow distance in rows: 25 - 30 cm
Plant distance: 5 - 15 cm
Plant position: full sun
Days till harvest: 125 - 150
Sow from March till May on a sunny spot. This spot has to be manured about a month before sowing. Sow in rows about 25 - 30 cm apart. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil of approx. 1 cm thick. Thin the seedlings, when they're large enough to handle, to approx. 10 cm apart. If You want long slender shallots, thin them to approx. 5 cm apart. Keep moist and weedfree. But be sure not to knick the seedlings while hoeing.
Harvest your shallots when the leaves turn brown. Wait 1 - 2 weeks. Harvest on a dry dag and pull up the plants with a rake. Lay them on the dry land or on a dry spot on a rack to dry out. Use the sunshine to let them dry well and carefully. Then you can keep them for a couple of months in a shed or an other dry, cool and forstfree place. Protect the seedlings with a net against birds.
