Leek Seeds

One of the oldest vegetables that we can all grow. The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians all grew leeks not just for their taste but also for their therapeutic properties. The Romans used them as a medicine for sore throats and it is thought that Nero consumed large quantities of leek on a regular basis to help improve his voice.

The leek is high in potassium and is a good source of folate however as with onions and garlic leeks can cause dermatitis so use gloves when picking if you are easily effected.

Leeks can be sown either directly into your plot or in pots in your greenhouse and they need a temperature of around 45F to germinate fully. They will like healthy and well draining soil and full sun if possible. To keep the nice white stem they should be blanched so either plant the seedlings in a small hole about 6" deep or bank soil around them as they grow.

Leeks like space and the more you give them then the larger they will grow. Keep them about 10" apart as a maximum, you can plant closer but the leeks will grow smaller and thinner. It is very important not to allow your leeks to bolt, if this happens then the inside of the stem will get very hard and quite 'woody' in texture which will make them impossible to eat without having someone else chew them first to soften them. This is from personal experience (although I didn't have anyone to chew them for me)!

Leek Seeds - Elefant