SOIL TEST INFORMATION SHEET NO. V-350

Prepared by Extension Horticulturists Mike Cannon and James Boudreaux

Onions, Garlic and Shallots

1.	Nitrogen Fertilization

Garlic:  Apply 50-100 pounds nitrogen per acre and all of the phosphorus and potassium prior to planting.  Sidedress with 30-50 pounds nitrogen after plants are up (3-4 weeks after planting) and again in late winter (mid-February) before garlic begins to bulb.

Onions:  If onions are direct seeded apply preplant nitrogen fertilizer at 30-50 pounds nitrogen per acre so as not to encourage too large a plant to overwinter.  The larger the overwintering plant, the more likely the plant will be to develop a seed stalk and reduce the quality of the bulb.

Transplanted onions should receive 30-50 pounds nitrogen\acre and all of the preplant phosphorus and potassium.

Sidedress onions with 30-50 pounds nitrogen per acre I late winter (mid-February) when active growth  starts.  Make 2 or 3 more sidedress applications at the same rate at 2 to 3 week intervals after the first.

Shallots:  Apply 30-60 pounds nitrogen per acre and all of the phosphorus and potassium prior to planting.  Sidedress with an additional 20-30 pounds nitrogen per acre 2 to 3 weeks after plants mark the row.  Sidedress again (20-30 pounds of nitrogen per acre) in two weeks.

Shallots that are cut for tops should be sidedressed with 30-50 pounds of nitrogen per acre soon after cutting.

2.	Use the higher rates of fertilizer for double drills.

3.	Contact your county agent for additional information and help in your fertilization program.  The agent also receives a copy of this report for the parish office files.