Leek Giant Winter

When to Sow Giant Winter Leek Seeds

January to February under glass or March to April outdoors

Where To Sow

Early sowings can be made under glass. Sow the seed into pots or trays and cover the seed with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. For Outdoor sowings, sow the seed thinly, 1.5cm (1/2in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially during dry periods.

What to do next

Once early sowings have germinated, transplant into individual pots and grow on under glass until April before moving to a cold frame to harden off before planting out at 25-30cm (10-12in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows. Outdoor sowings once large enough to handle, carefully lift plants and transplant to the same spacings as above using a trowel or dibber, and water in.

Maturity

October to March

Handy Tip

Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem. For larger leeks for kitchen or exhibition, increase the spacing to 30-45cm (12-18in) between the plants.

Nutritional Values

High in folic acid, potassium, pro-vitamin A and vitamin C.