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| Identification |
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Genus
Allium
Species
cepa
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
yellow onion
shallot
Family
ALLIACEAE
Specimen number
S12730
Data source
ColorNat p21;DyePl p60;DyePl p70;DyePl p31;DyeFib p93;MedPl p162;UnVeg p357
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| Life cycle |
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Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Annual
Life span
1 year
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Flower
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Overall height
2'
Overall spread
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| Climate |
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Sunshine
Full sun
Water
Optimal soil texture
Soil texture 26
Acceptable soil pH
Various
USDA hardiness
Not classified
AHS heat zones
Not classified
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
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| Garden |
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Suitable for gardens
no
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
The skins of Allium cepa have been used in traditional fabric dyeing. A range of possible colors can be produced by Shallot (also known as yellow onion) including burnt umber, lime green, orange, yellow, brown, olive green, reddish brown, bronze and gold. Onion is used in Lapland for dyeing. It is used in dyeing wool. Common mordants used to fix the color to the fabric when dyeing with this plant include alum, ferrous sulfate or copper sulfate. Full sun is best for growing this plant.
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| Special qualities |
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Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
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| Adverse factors |
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Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
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| Herbal medicine |
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Medicinal properties
diuretic
antibiotic
anti-inflammatory
analgesic
expectorant
antirheumatic
Medicinal parts
Bulbs
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
Medicinal notes
The bulbs of this plant and the leaves are both edible. Allium cepa is most often used as a flavoring. Shallot (sometimes called yellow onion) has numerous traditional medicinal uses. Some of its many uses are: as a diuretic, as an antibiotic, as an anti-inflammatory and as an analgesic. More uses are listed in the medicinal properties section. The plant parts used in herbal preparations are the bulbs.
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| Traditional uses |
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Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Skins
Dye color
burnt umber,lime green,orange,yellow,brown,olive green,reddish brown,bronze,gold
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| Cultivation |
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Propagule
Seed
Pollination method
Planting style
Clumps
Crop spacing
4"
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
May 01 - May 31
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Partially hardy
Heat requirement
Any
Fertilizer
Low nitrogen
Time to harvest
bulbs ready in fall, stalks ready all yr
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| Nutrition |
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Is edible
yes
Culinary uses
Flavoring
Nutritional value
Edible parts
Bulbs
Leaves
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
has a very mild onion flavor
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| Horticulture |
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Horticulture notes
The best month for planting is May. When planted agriculturally, space the plants 4" apart. Low nitrogen is required for optimal growth. Harvesting: bulbs ready in fall, stalks ready all yr. Allium cepa is typically propagated by seed. Shallot (in some places called yellow onion) most likely originates from Eire and Lapland.
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| Herbarium |
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Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Allium cepa has an annual life cycle.
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Page 191 of 4998
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