Permapotes

Leeks

Winter leek

Winter leek is a herbaceous vegetable in the Amaryllidaceae family. Its mild, slightly sweet flavour works well in soups, quiches, gratins or simply braised. Choose a variety suited to winter harvesting and to the climate in your garden.

Sow according to the variety and local conditions, about 1 cm deep in a seedbed or seed tray. When the young plants are about as thick as a pencil, transplant them into a sunny spot with rich soil, improved with compost or well-rotted manure. Leave roughly 10–15 cm between plants and 30 cm between rows.

As the plants grow, earth up the soil around them to develop longer white shafts. Keep the soil moist without waterlogging it. Water during dry spells and add mulch to help retain moisture. Winter leeks can remain in the ground for several months and be harvested as needed.

View the cultivation calendar
Winter leek
Winter leek
Characteristics
  • Lifecycle : Annual
  • Exposure : Full Sun
  • Frost Hardiness : Frost Resistant
  • Cultivation Difficulty : Medium
  • Mature height : 50 cm
Sowing & Planting
  • Greenhouse Growing : Not Required
  • Sowing Depth : 1 cm
  • Plant Spacing : 15 cm
  • Row Spacing : 30 cm
Maintenance
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Water Requirements : Moderate
Other characteristics
  • Soil Type : Humus-rich
  • Soil pH Preference : Neutral
  • Pest Sensitivity : Moderate
  • Disease Sensitivity : Moderate
  • Weed Sensitivity : Moderate
  • Pollination : Insect-pollinated
  • Propagation : Sowing