Ambition

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

A bold, aromatic shallot with a richly layered flavor that opens sweet and mellow, then settles into a gentle, savory bite.

Ambition forms well-shaped bulbs with a smooth, papery skin and crisp, fine-textured flesh that’s ideal for roasting, sautéing, and brightening sauces—also wonderful for quick pickling when you want a clean, tangy snap. Grow Ambition for a dependable 90-day harvest and a harvest that’s as satisfying to peel as it is to savor.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Bulbing

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bulbing
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ambition shallots move from sweet and mellow to a precise savory finish, with flesh that stays fine-textured instead of going mushy. Use them like a flavor engine—roast for silkiness, or quick-pickle for that crisp, vinegar-bright snap that cuts through richness.

Best Uses

slow-roasting until jammy and caramel-sweet for spooning over meat or grains
sautéing into a glossy base for sauces and braises without turning harsh
quick pickling for sharp, crunchy garnish on rich, fatty foods
finely mincing raw in vinaigrettes to keep it bright without overpowering

Flavor Profile

bold allium aroma sweet-then-mellow flavor arc fine, crisp bite with gentle savory bite clean, tangy pickling snap

Kitchen Pairings

butter white wine vinegar thyme gruyere chicken mushrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I see powdery mildew on Ambition during summer growth?

Powdery mildew shows up as a white, dusty coating on Ambition’s leaves, often after warm, humid days. Remove and discard the worst affected leaves, then improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil level (not on foliage). Spray with a labeled horticultural sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product every 7–10 days until new growth is clean, following the label for Ambition’s growth stage.

How often should I water Ambition during the 60–90 day main growing phase?

For Ambition, keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged; aim for light, even moisture at about 1 inch deep. In typical warm weather, water about 2–3 times per week, increasing to every 1–2 days during hot spells, and reduce frequency if the top inch stays wet. If leaves wilt in the morning then recover by evening, you’re close—water a bit more regularly rather than soaking less often.

How can I tell when Ambition (90 days) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits/heads reach full size and the color is uniform for the variety, with no lingering green dullness. If you can feel a firm but not rock-hard texture and the crop is pulling away easily from the plant, it’s usually at peak readiness. Use the 90-day timeline as your guide but confirm by size/color first—harvesting early will reduce sweetness and shelf life.