WILLVINE Onion Shallot - ZEBRUNE - The Banana Shallot Seed  (300 per packet)

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS Onion likes cool weather in the early part of their growth, so plant them in spring, except in mild-winter areas, where onions are grown as a fall or winter crop. Place them about an inch deep in the soil and approximately half an inch or more apart. If planting rows, space them at least one and half to two feet apart. GROWING REQUIREMENTS PESTS These pests attack the crop - Downy mildew, Powdery mildew, Cutworms, Armyworm, Aphids (Willow-carrot aphid).The mentioned pests may cause the crop witness these symptoms: swollen or distorted; stunted growth, white fluffy growth on underside of leaves; honeydew which encourages the growth of sooty mold on the plants etc. SOIL Onion benefits from a rich, well-drained soil, with a pH of 5.5-6.8 SPOT Plant in a sunny spot for best results. TEMPERATURE Onion germination is fastest as 20-25°C (68-77°F) WATERING Water regularly, giving plants at least an inch of water per week (more in hot weather) HOW TO HARVEST The bulbs are harvested when they contract to small tennis ball size. Use a sharp knife or pruners to make out the bulb free just above taproot, right at the soil line. Trim the leaf stems about 1-2" above the bulb to prepare it for sale or computer memory. Bulb fennel requires 80-115 frost-free days to hand harvest. Bulb fennel can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in a cold moist place for 2 to 3 months. The best storage conditions are 0°C [32°F] with 95% relative humidity. Stems can be dried or frozen; leaves can be frozen or dried as herbs. Dried leaves should be salted away in an airtight container.