What is what do shallots look like when ready to harvest?

When shallots are ready to harvest, look for these signs:

  • Foliage Dieback: The green tops will begin to yellow, brown, and fall over. This indicates the plant is redirecting energy to the bulbs. Aim to harvest when about two-thirds of the foliage has fallen over.

  • Bulb Size: The shallot bulbs themselves will be plump and well-formed. You should be able to easily see the distinct clusters of bulbs.

  • Skin Development: The outer skins of the shallots will be dry, papery, and colored, rather than green and fleshy.

  • Easy Lifting: The bulbs should lift easily from the soil with a gentle tug. If they're difficult to pull, they might not be fully mature.