| Other names: |
Allium porrum |
| Appearance/taste: |
Long cylinder shaped stem of rolled leaves |
| Popular varieties: |
Carlton AGM, Apollo AGM, Toledo AGM & Pancho AGM |
| Interesting fact: |
The leek is one of the national emblems of Wales, whose citizens
wear it on St. David's Day. It’s been used to represent Wales
on the back of £1 coins. |
| Nutritional value: |
Full of vitamins (B & C) and minerals |
| When to grow: |
Seed
in a tray
in mid-late winter before putting into the ground in mid-spring; or
sow straight into the ground in early-mid-spring |
| Likes: |
Sunny site in any soil that is heavy, moisture retentive but won’t
waterlog in the winter; being planted deep for long stems and having
earth piled around the stem; a good soaking of water every 10 days
with regular weeding whilst growing. |
| Watch out for: |
Leek rust – orange pustules that occur in damp weather; throw
away or burn affected leaves once harvested |
| Harvest time: |
Autumn after planting out in spring; |
| Cooking tips: |
Raw or cooked; baby leeks in salads or use in soups; casseroles
and other dishes |
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Leeks are easy to grow and need little attention when
they are in their final growing spot. They can look very pretty grown
among marigolds. |
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Leeks like rich, well drained soil which has been well fed with
manure. Be sure to dig the ground really well before planting. The
soil needs to be very loose. |
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Plants must be planted deeply to allow the long white stem to develop.
Leeks like being in a sunny spot. |
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Sowing inside in early winter and then replanting them outside will
give an early crop. |
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Most crops come from sowing seeds
during spring. Seed should be sown thinly 1cm deep in rows. |
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Around mid-summer, when the plants are about 20-23cm (8”-9”)
tall move the plants into their permanent homes. Water well before
digging up the young plants. |
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When replanting - make a series of holes 15 cm deep and 15 cm apart.
Put a leek into each hole and fill it with water. This will allow
earth to wash over the roots. Firm down. |
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Leave the leeks to grow throughout the summer. Water
only when necessary. Feed
regularly. Pull up earth around the stem but do not allow it to fall
between the leaves. This will increase the size of the white stem. |
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The plants can be harvested from mid-autumn. If heavy frosts are
expected, dig up a supply of leeks. If you try and dig them up when
the earth is frozen, the stem can snap leaving the white stem in the
earth. Store in a cool place. |
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Do not grow Leeks in the same place two years running. This will
prevent a build up of diseases in the soil. |
