SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Ambition

Shallot
Zone 1b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Ambition to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Ambition
90d to harvest

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.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 50°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Grow seed-grown shallots as early as possible but only transplant into reliably cool-to-mild conditions—keep beds evenly moist early to support strong bulb formation.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 90-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 1st
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity90
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBulbing
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)50
Min Night Temp (°F)35
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Ambition in Zone 1b typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 50°F before transplanting Ambition.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 90-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

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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.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 50°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Grow seed-grown shallots as early as possible but only transplant into reliably cool-to-mild conditions—keep beds evenly moist early to support strong bulb formation.

Botanical illustration of Ambition

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.