Am I being Impatient?

[bagpuss]

I put in some shallot (banana) sets in October and they still have no shoots on them. I have given the sets a squeeze and they still feel firm.

I have heard that they can be a bit slow to get going, almost four months seems awfully slow. Could it be that it may have been too mild (until now) and that perhaps this cold snap might get them shooting?

My garlic on the other hand, which I put in afterwards, seems to be growing quite happily.

Any thoughts/advice most welcome.

[Amber]

You may find that they are busy "making roots"....I know garlic makes its roots before it pops shoots through.....on the other hand maybe you planted too early..I think about now is the time to start.......I'm not absolutely certain about this

[Tig]

My Golden Gourmet shallots are in different stages of development depending on when I planted them Bagpuss. I've grown them for several years now and save the smaller bulblets to grow on for the next year. They appear to be extremely hardy, and will start to show growth when the conditions suit, sometimes standing still for months then suddenly bursting forth. Just let them do their own thing, gardening is a patient game ... just go with the flow

My garlic were growing well, then along came the freezing conditions and they looked a bit sad, but I know I will get bigger cloves because the frost has hit them and made them multiply and hopefully prosper into another bumper crop for next summer

x Tig

[Dutchy]

Red brown ones are hardiest and out here they advice not to plant before end February.
Erm you are pushing the poor little bulbs.
Good thing you are in warmer climes and as Tig said they are merely waiting.

[Barbara]

My book says to plant them In Feb.
And onions in Sept./Oct.

[bagpuss]

Many thanks for the replies and advice all. I shall, indeed, continue to wait, and hope they burst into life at some point.

[Barbara]

Fingers crossed for you BP.

[Dr Bill]

Mine have just started to shoot. Planted in November.