Leeks
Winter leekHow to sow winter leeks successfully under cover?
To grow winter leeks, we recommend sowing them under cover in early spring, around March. To do this, fill individual cups or trays with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Place one leek seed per pot, cover lightly with potting soil and press down. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Place your seedlings under cover, at a temperature of around 18-20°C, to encourage germination. Make sure the plants receive enough natural light and maintain constant humidity by watering them regularly. When the plants reach a height of around ten centimetres, you can transplant them into the ground, taking care to space them about 15 cm apart.
Winter leeks like a soil rich in organic matter and well drained. It's important to keep an eye out for attacks by pests such as the leek moth and to carry out regular hoeing to aerate the soil. By following these growing tips, you'll be able to harvest beautiful, flavour-rich winter leeks to liven up your winter dishes.
How to sow winter leeks successfully outdoors?
To sow winter leeks outdoors, favour March or April, when the soil starts to warm up. Prepare the soil by carefully weeding it and working it deeply so that it is well aerated. Dig furrows 1 to 2 cm deep, about 20 cm apart. Sow the leek seeds 1 to 2 cm apart, then cover them lightly with soil.
Be sure to water the sowing area regularly to keep the soil moist. As the plants grow, thin them out, leaving just one plant every 5 to 10 cm. Leeks like soil rich in organic matter, so don't hesitate to add compost when preparing the soil. Also remember to mulch the soil to limit weeds and keep it moist.
How do I plant winter leeks?
To plant winter leeks, we recommend transplanting them into the ground in autumn. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, loosen the soil by spading and adding compost or well-decomposed manure.
Before planting the leeks, dig shallow furrows and space the plants about 10 cm apart. Push the plants into the soil, leaving only the leaves sticking out. Water thoroughly after planting.
It is important to hoe regularly to eliminate weeds and water regularly to keep the soil cool. Winter leeks are more resistant to the cold than summer leeks, but you can protect them with a thick mulch in case of heavy frost.
How do I harvest winter leeks?
In natural gardening, winter leeks can be harvested from autumn until spring. To harvest them, simply pull them gently out of the ground. It is important not to cut them with a knife, as this could damage the leeks and make them more susceptible to disease. After harvesting, it is advisable to clean them by removing the soil present around the roots.
Winter leeks can be stored for several weeks in a cool, dry place. It is best to store them in a dark place to prevent them from worm-smelling and becoming bitter. You can also freeze leeks to keep them for longer. Simply blanch them for a few minutes in boiling water, drain and freeze. That way, you can enjoy your harvest throughout the winter and spring.
Winter leek
- Type : Vegetables
- Subtype : Root vegetables
- Botanical Family : Liliaceae
Characteristics
- Lifecycle : Annual
- Exposure : Full Sun
- Frost Hardiness : Frost Resistant
- Cultivation Difficulty : Medium
- Adult 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
Seeds
- Soil Type : Humus-rich
- Soil pH Preference : Neutral
- Pest Sensitivity : Moderate
- Disease Sensitivity : Moderate
- Weed Sensitivity : Moderate
- Pollination : Insect-pollinated
- Propagation : Sowing