Leek, Allium porrum
Allium porrum
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 7b (-15°C ≤ T° < -12.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Genus
- Allium
- Species
- Leek Allium porrum
Other names:Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum, Allium ampeloprasum subsp. porrum, Allium laetum, Porrum sativum, Allium porrum var. breve, Allium porrum var. latum, Allium porrum var. viviparum
Probably native to Europe or the Middle East, the leek (Allium porrum) provides a source of fresh vegetables in winter. But this plant has been cultivated year-round—or nearly so—since ancient times.
How can you identify a leek?
The leek (Allium porrum) is a biennial perennial plant. However, it is most often grown in vegetable gardens as an annual. It averages 50 cm in height and 30 cm in spread. However, some specimens reach one meter in height.
The base of the sheathing leaves forms a white pseudo-stem called the shaft. Cylindrical in shape, it measures up to 30 cm long, and its diameter can exceed 5 cm.
The leaves grow upright at the top of the rigid, cylindrical stem. The leaf blade, which is flat and long, is folded into a groove. The color of the foliage depends on the variety. The leaves can be bright green or glaucous green. In some specimens, they even take on bluish or purplish hues!
The leek produces an upright flower stalk. The flowers are grouped in umbels. Greenish-white in color, they form a perfect sphere.
Which leek varieties should you choose?
There are over a hundred varieties of leeks. Here is a list of the most widely grown and popular varieties among market gardeners and home gardeners. They are generally classified according to their harvest season.
Summer Leeks
Summer Leek are sown early in the year (as early as January or February under cover) and harvested from July through October. These early-maturing varieties have light green foliage and a mild flavor, but they are not resistant to heavy frosts. Among the early-maturing leeks are:
- Gros long d'été 2: an ultra-fast-growing leek with a long, tender shaft;
- Jaune Gros du Poitou: a traditional heirloom variety with a short, broad shaft and green-yellow foliage;
- Albos: early-maturing and productive, it produces a long, straight shaft (30 to 35 cm).
Fall Leeks
Sown in the spring, the Fall Leek are harvested from September through December. More hardy than summer leeks, they can withstand the first frosts of the year. If you'd like to plant fall leeks, consider:
- Monstrueux de Carentan: a heirloom variety with a high yield and a short, stocky shaft;
- De Gennevilliers (or Splendid): a leek that produces very white, long, and uniform stems;
- Electra: recognizable by its blue-green foliage, it guarantees consistent yields.
Winter Leeks
Hardy winter leeks can withstand severe frosts. These late-season varieties are sown in the spring, transplanted in the summer, and harvested from December through May.
- Bleu de Solaise: a very hardy variety recognizable by its bluish-green or dark purplish foliage and its short but thick stems;
- Géant d'hiver: a leek with a thick shaft (between 15 and 20 cm) that is disease-resistant;
- Saint-Victor: a variety with bluish-purple foliage and a long, mild-flavored shaft.
You can also harvest winter Leek as early as spring, as “baguette leeks.” The stalks will then be thin and tender.
Is the leek poisonous?
Leeks are not toxic to humans. They are grown for their stems, but their leaves are also edible.
However, the plant is toxic to animals, particularly cats. Make sure your pet does not eat the foliage. Leeks can cause digestive problems and, if consumed in large quantities, anemia.
Our care tips
Leeks They are ready to harvest when their leaves are firm, bright green, and upright. If the center swells, hurry to harvest! This is a sign that the plant is about to flower. It will then be too tough to eat.
Watering
Water the base of your Leek when the substrate surface is dry. Do not wet the leaves to avoid the development of diseases and fungi. Watering is best done with rainwater at room temperature.
Fertilization
Use a fertilizer rich in potassium and nitrogen, such as a vegetable fertilizer.
Planting
Prepare your soil:
- Weed, remove roots and stones;
- Loosen and aerate the soil using a broadfork, a pitchfork, or a spade;
- Add compost or fertilizer if your soil is poor.
You can make a planting hole at least 15 cm deep using a planting trowel or dig a furrow. In both cases, rows should be spaced at least 20 cm apart from your other crops, and plants should be spaced at least 15 cm apart from each other so they have room to grow.
Plant your Allium porrum. Bury the stem (the white part) and, if necessary, a little of the foliage.
Water generously to help the plants establish themselves.
Hilling
Plug your plants regularly to encourage production.
Start by weeding around the plant, then loosen the soil surface using a rake.
Using a hoe or a ridging tool, bring a few centimeters of soil up around the base of the plant. You can also add potting soil to complete the ridging. This step promotes the development of the underground parts of the plant.
Frequently asked questions
What should I plant with leeks?
Leeks benefit from being planted alongside carrots and celery. This companion planting helps repel pests and benefits both species. However, avoid planting leeks with beans, Swiss chard, cabbage, and peas. These vegetables have similar needs and compete for nutrients, which weakens the crops.
How long does it take for leeks to grow?
The growth period depends on the variety. It generally takes 5 to 7 months from sowing to planting. Summer leeks, which mature earlier, reach maturity 3 to 4 months after sowing.
What should I plant after leeks?
Crop rotation prevents soil depletion and limits the occurrence of pests and diseases. After leeks, plant carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, squash, turnips, radishes, or tomatoes.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Categories
- VegetableHerbaceous
- Tags
- ThirstyEdible vegetable
- Origin
- Central Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 7b (-15°C ≤ T° < -12.2°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenWhiteBlueVioletDark greenGlaucous greenGreen-gray
- Flower colors
- WhitePale green
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