Les jardins de l'écoumène

Allium cepa ‘Val-aux-Vents’

Allium cepa var. aggregatum

Organic Val-aux-Vents is a distinctive shallot variety combining delicate eating quality with local selection and dependable performance when grown in the vegetable garden. Developed through patient selection in Quebec, it produces rounded bulbs with delicate flesh that is exceptionally sweet and enjoyable in the kitchen. Grown as an annual crop, this biennial shallot is valued for steady, even growth and good performance in fertile, well-prepared soil. It takes up little room in the garden, making it easy to include in intensively planted beds or a mixed vegetable garden. If a few plants are allowed to continue through their full growing cycle, the flowers attract pollinating insects and add ecological interest to this useful food crop.
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Discover the plant

Common nameVal-aux-Vents Shallot
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusGarlic
Speciescepa
CultivarVal-aux-Vents
TypeVegetable
Botanical nameAllium cepa var. aggregatum
Reproducible seedsYes

Allium cepa ‘Val-aux-Vents’ — Val-aux-Vents Shallot. Organic Val-aux-Vents is a distinctive shallot variety combining delicate eating quality with local selection and dependable performance when grown in the vegetable garden. Developed through patient selection in Quebec, it produces rounded bulbs with delicate flesh that is exceptionally sweet and enjoyable in the kitchen. Grown as an annual crop, this biennial shallot is valued for steady, even growth and good performance in fertile, well-prepared soil. It takes up little room in the garden, making it easy to include in intensively planted beds or a mixed vegetable garden.

Sowing shallot seeds: early spring. The depth to be respected is 1 cm (0.4 in.). Germination usually takes 5 to 12 days. For germination, keep the soil at 21 to 27°C (70 to 81°F). Keep the seedlings of onions, leeks, or scallops well identified, as their young foliage is similar. Sufficient light and regular humidity accompany the growth of seedlings. Replicate delicately when requested by the crop type, without crushing the base of the leaves. In the garden, prepare an easy surface to weed: these narrow plants cover little soil at the beginning of their development.

The very good storage quality of this shallot extends the usefulness of its harvest, providing bulbs for everyday cooking as well as for more elaborate dishes. Rows of onions and leeks suit parts of the vegetable garden where you can tend the crops without walking between the individual plants. Their upright shape can border a more spreading crop, provided that their foliage continues to receive the light it needs. Label the varieties intended for bunching separately from those grown for bulbs, so that you can choose the right stage for harvesting each one. Keep the row easy to reach for weeding until the young plants have become firmly established.

In the garden

Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Biennial grown as an annual for harvest

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

1 cm (0.4 in)

Germination temperature

21 to 27°C (70 to 81°F)

Germination time

5 to 12 days

Sowing period

Early Spring

Propagation

From seed

Growing method

Recommended planting period: early spring. The depth to be respected is 1 cm (0.4 in.). Germination usually takes 5 to 12 days. For germination, keep the soil at 21 to 27°C (70 to 81°F). Keep the seedlings of onions, leeks, or scallops well identified, as their young foliage is similar. Sufficient light and regular humidity accompany the growth of seedlings. Replicate delicately when requested by the crop type, without crushing the base of the leaves. In the garden, prepare an easy surface to weed: these narrow plants cover little soil at the beginning of their development. Weed regularly around crops in the onion family, keeping your cultivation shallow around their roots. Their narrow foliage does not cover the soil quickly enough to prevent competition from weeds. Observe the desired part of the harvest: soft barrel, aromatic leaves or ripe bulb. For preservative bulbs, the harvest stage and drying count as much as the caliber. Handle the bases carefully to minimize injuries before cooking or storage. Green onions and onions grown for mature bulbs are harvested at different stages of their development. For bulbs intended for storage, wait for signs of maturity, then dry the harvest in a well-ventilated place.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Watering

Keep the soil fresh regularly during foliage growth and bulb magnification. Water near the row, without soaking the soil for a long time or wetting the leaves unnecessarily. The low soil cover at the beginning of the crop justifies careful monitoring of drying. As the harvest of mature bulbs approaches, adjust inputs to foliage yellowing and weather conditions. Avoid unnecessary watering during drying, when storage is sought.

Soil type

Prepare a loose, fertile and well-drained soil. Keep the seedlings of onions, leeks, or scallops well identified, as their young foliage is similar. Sufficient light and regular humidity accompany the growth of seedlings. Replicate delicately when requested by the crop type, without crushing the base of the leaves. In the garden, prepare an easy surface to weed: these narrow plants cover little soil at the beginning of their development.

Fertilization

Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.

Moisture

Keep the growing mix moist during germination, without standing water; then adjust to the crop

Seasonal care

The very good storage quality of this shallot extends the usefulness of its harvest, providing bulbs for everyday cooking as well as for more elaborate dishes. Keep the seedlings of onions, leeks, or scallops well identified, as their young foliage is similar. Sufficient light and regular humidity accompany the growth of seedlings. Replicate delicately when requested by the crop type, without crushing the base of the leaves. In the garden, prepare an easy surface to weed: these narrow plants cover little soil at the beginning of their development. Weed regularly around crops in the onion family, keeping your cultivation shallow around their roots. Their narrow foliage does not cover the soil quickly enough to prevent competition from weeds. Observe the desired part of the harvest: soft barrel, aromatic leaves or ripe bulb. For preservative bulbs, the harvest stage and drying count as much as the caliber. Handle the bases carefully to minimize injuries before cooking or storage. Green onions and onions grown for mature bulbs are harvested at different stages of their development. For bulbs intended for storage, wait for signs of maturity, then dry the harvest in a well-ventilated place. For soft drums, harvest gradually according to your needs. A piece of land facilitates the exit of the plants without injuring the part consumed. Developed through patient selection in Quebec, it produces rounded bulbs with delicate flesh that is exceptionally sweet and enjoyable in the kitchen.

Container growing

Container growing

Suitable for containers

Yes

Recommended pot size

A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.). Alliaceae are placed in a container depending on the part harvested. The leaves or young casks allow close picking, while the bulbs need their definitive place to grow. Spread the plants regularly and keep a piece of soil. Avoid watering that digs around the base. To harvest, gently lift the root ball rather than shoot the foliage abruptly. Organic Val-aux-Vents is a distinctive shallot variety combining delicate eating quality with local selection and dependable performance when grown in the vegetable garden. Developed through patient selection in Quebec, it produces rounded bulbs with delicate flesh that is exceptionally sweet and enjoyable in the kitchen. Grown as an annual crop, this biennial shallot is valued for steady, even growth and good performance in fertile, well-prepared soil. It takes up little room in the garden, making it easy to include in intensively planted beds or a mixed vegetable garden. If a few plants are allowed to continue through their full growing cycle, the flowers attract pollinating insects and add ecological interest to this useful food crop.
Sachet de semences Échalote Val-aux-Vents. Emballage blanc photographié de face sur un fond de bois brun. Une image du végétal occupe la partie centrale, sous le nom imprimé. De petits pictogrammes et un code-barres apparaissent au bas du sachet. La marque Écoumène figure dans la partie supérieure de cette présentation.

Bloom and dimensions

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)

Width / spread

20-30 cm (8-12 in.)

Foliage type

Seasonal foliage

Growth habit

Upright

Bloom period

This plant normally forms its flowers during a cycle subsequent to that of the first vegetable harvest. For the production of leaves, bulbs or roots, flowering is not the desired stage. Bolting before the intended harvest can reduce the tenderness of the parts you plan to eat. Keep plants intended for seed production separate from those grown for harvest, allowing enough room for their developing flower stems.

Fruiting

Developed through patient selection in Quebec, it produces rounded bulbs with delicate flesh that is exceptionally sweet and enjoyable in the kitchen. The very good storage quality of this shallot extends the usefulness of its harvest, providing bulbs for everyday cooking as well as for more elaborate dishes. Growing Val-aux-Vents introduces a flavourful, locally selected shallot whose sweetness can be enjoyed at harvest and in the meals prepared from it.

Harvest

100 to 105 days after sowing
Échalote Val-aux-Vents. Échalotes cuivrées et rosées dans une coupe. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

In a mixed planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: carrot, beet, lettuce, strawberry. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. Rows of onions and leeks suit parts of the vegetable garden where you can tend the crops without walking between the individual plants.

Garden use

Developed through patient selection in Quebec, it produces rounded bulbs with delicate flesh that is exceptionally sweet and enjoyable in the kitchen. The very good storage quality of this shallot extends the usefulness of its harvest, providing bulbs for everyday cooking as well as for more elaborate dishes. Growing Val-aux-Vents introduces a flavourful, locally selected shallot whose sweetness can be enjoyed at harvest and in the meals prepared from it. Organic Val-aux-Vents is a distinctive shallot variety combining delicate eating quality with local selection and dependable performance when grown in the vegetable garden.

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Edible parts

Bulbs, drums and leaves according to type
Recipe idea using Val-aux-Vents Shallot: slowly cooked onions for four servings. Prepare 500 g of the harvested part, cleaned and minced, then brown it in 15 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add 30 ml of water, cover and continue gently until tender. Young stems cook faster than well-developed bulbs. Stir regularly and add a little water if the mixture starts to stick to the bottom. Season with salt, pepper and serve on toast or with roasted vegetables. Prepare the ingredients with clean utensils and adapt the cut to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, keep enough space in the dish to mix or cook evenly. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. To prepare a smaller meal for two people, use half of every ingredient quantity given in this recipe.
Échalote Val-aux-Vents. Échalotes cuivrées et rosées dans une coupe. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Val-aux-Vents Shallot from seed?
Recommended planting period: early spring. The depth to be respected is 1 cm (0.4 in.). Germination usually takes 5 to 12 days. For the seeds to germinate, maintain the potting mix at a temperature of 21 to 27°C (70 to 81°F). Keep the seedlings of onions, leeks, or scallops well identified, as their young foliage is similar. Sufficient light and regular humidity accompany the growth of seedlings. Replicate delicately when requested by the crop type, without crushing the base of the leaves. In the garden, prepare an easy surface to weed: these narrow plants cover little soil at the beginning of their development.
Can I grow Val-aux-Vents Shallot in a container?
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.). Alliaceae are placed in a container depending on the part harvested. The leaves or young casks allow close picking, while the bulbs need their definitive place to grow. Spread the plants regularly and keep a piece of soil. Avoid watering that digs around the base. To harvest, gently lift the root ball rather than shoot the foliage abruptly. Organic Val-aux-Vents is a distinctive shallot variety combining delicate eating quality with local selection and dependable performance when grown in the vegetable garden.
When can I harvest Val-aux-Vents Shallot?
Developed through patient selection in Quebec, it produces rounded bulbs with delicate flesh that is exceptionally sweet and enjoyable in the kitchen. The very good storage quality of this shallot extends the usefulness of its harvest, providing bulbs for everyday cooking as well as for more elaborate dishes. Growing Val-aux-Vents introduces a flavourful, locally selected shallot whose sweetness can be enjoyed at harvest and in the meals prepared from it. Green onions and onions grown for mature bulbs are harvested at different stages of their development. For bulbs intended for storage, wait for signs of maturity, then dry the harvest in a well-ventilated place.
What makes Val-aux-Vents Shallot distinctive in the garden?
Organic Val-aux-Vents is a distinctive shallot variety combining delicate eating quality with local selection and dependable performance when grown in the vegetable garden. Developed through patient selection in Quebec, it produces rounded bulbs with delicate flesh that is exceptionally sweet and enjoyable in the kitchen. Grown as an annual crop, this biennial shallot is valued for steady, even growth and good performance in fertile, well-prepared soil. It takes up little room in the garden, making it easy to include in intensively planted beds or a mixed vegetable garden. If a few plants are allowed to continue through their full growing cycle, the flowers attract pollinating insects and add ecological interest to this useful food crop.
How do I arrange a planting of Val-aux-Vents Shallot?
Rows of onions and leeks suit parts of the vegetable garden where you can tend the crops without walking between the individual plants. Their upright shape can border a more spreading crop, provided that their foliage continues to receive the light it needs. Label the varieties intended for bunching separately from those grown for bulbs, so that you can choose the right stage for harvesting each one. Keep the row easy to reach for weeding until the young plants have become firmly established. Weed regularly around crops in the onion family, keeping your cultivation shallow around their roots. Their narrow foliage does not cover the soil quickly enough to prevent competition from weeds. Observe the desired part of the harvest: soft barrel, aromatic leaves or ripe bulb.

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