As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that shallots do not come back every year. The shallot plant follows a natural biennial cycle, which means it completes its life cycle over a span of two years.
In the first year, the shallot plant focuses on developing a bulb. This bulb serves as a storage organ, allowing the plant to survive through the winter and provide nutrients for the following year’s growth. During this period, the shallot plant puts its energy into forming a healthy and robust bulb. The bulb grows in size and develops layers of fleshy scales.
Once the first year is complete, the shallot bulb goes dormant over winter. It stays in the ground, protected by the soil, until the next growing season. During this dormant period, the bulb remains alive but doesn’t actively grow or produce foliage.
In the second year, the shallot bulb reawakens and starts to grow again. It sends up shoots above the ground, which eventually develop into a cluster of leaves. These leaves provide the necessary energy through photosynthesis for the plant’s growth and development. As the plant continues to grow, it may produce a flower stalk, known as a scape, which eventually blooms into delicate white flowers.
However, it’s important to note that allowing the shallot plant to produce flowers can divert energy away from bulb development. If your goal is to harvest shallot bulbs, it is generally recommended to remove the flower stalks as soon as they appear. This allows the plant to focus its energy on bulb formation rather than seed production.
After the second year’s growth cycle, the shallot plant completes its life cycle. The foliage starts to wither and die back, indicating that the plant has reached the end of its lifespan. At this point, the shallot bulbs can be harvested and used in the kitchen.
To continue growing shallots, you can save some of the harvested bulbs for replanting in the next growing season. These bulbs can be stored in a cool, dry place until it’s time to plant them again. By repeating this process, you can grow shallots year after year.
Shallots do not come back every year. They are true biennials, completing their life cycle over two years. The first year is dedicated to bulb development, while the second year focuses on foliage growth and potential flowering. To ensure a continuous supply of shallots, saving and replanting harvested bulbs is necessary.
