Leeks

Type: Vegetable

Rotation Group: 2, Roots and Onions


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LONGBOW

As the name suggests it has good long white shanks and medium green leaves. Has good winter hardiness and can be lifted from October until the following March. Good for the kitchen and the exhibition bench.
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PORBELLA

Produces heavy yields of sturdy, upright, pure white, thick stems with dark green leaves. Has excellent winter hardiness and can be lifted from October through to February.
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MUSSELBURGH

A great Victorian variety that is still a favourite today. It produces thick short stems of very good flavour with medium green leaves. Is very hardy and can be lifted from October through to March.
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LYON

Produces heavy yields of long thick white stems that have a delicious flavour and are also good for the show bench. Has good winter hardiness for lifting from October through to December.

Site, Soil and Preparation

Leeks do best in an open position on rich, well-worked soil into which plenty of well-rotted organic matter has been added. They have a high nitrogen requirement.

Indoor Sowing

Leeks are best sown outdoors in a prepared seed bed.

Outdoor Sowing

Sow thinly in pre-watered, shallow, short rows, lightly covering the seeds with soil.

Thinning

Thin plants during transplantation to final growing position.

Transplanting

Plant to final position when plants are about 150mm (6in) high. Allow 200mm (8in) between plants and 450mm (18in) between rows. Make holes with a dibber about 150mm (6in) deep, and drop a plant into each hole. Fill each hole with water, but not with soil.

Care

To ensure a long white shaft, draw up soil round the plants as they develop.

Harvest