Leek Planting Guide

Lancelot Leeks

• Long, white shafts have blue/green upright flag
• Size Potential: 12-14" shafts
• Days to Harvest: 75

Soil Preparation

Like onions, leeks grow best in direct sunlight in well-drained soil that is

neither too acidic nor too alkaline. Work a balanced fertilizer (10-20-10) into the

soil before planting if needed.

Planting

Plant leeks 4" to 6" apart in rows 6" to 12" apart. Use the handle of a hoe to poke holes 6" to 8" deep where each plant will go. Place the seedlings, one to a hole, so the

youngest leaf protrudes just above the soil surface. Water gently and thoroughly after planting.

Watering, Fertilizing and Weeding

Onions should be grown in full sun and don’t compete well with weeds and are easily damaged by many weeding tools. Pull any weeds growing an inch or so from plant by hand. Onions don’t need a lot of water but they need it all the time. Watering is most crucial the first week or so after planting while the roots are developing. Water as needed daily.

Harvesting

Leeks can be harvested at any time. Because they're hardy, they're often left in the garden until needed.

Storing

After harvest, leeks need to be stored near 32° and at high humidity. Cool them upon digging, and pack them in plastic bags to prevent drying. They can be stored this way for two or three months. Leeks can also be stored frozen. For maximum flavor, cook them without thawing.

Great for soups and salads. Each full bunch contains approximately 60 plants. Leeks are not day length sensitive so as long as you keep blanching them (throwing dirt up on the shaft) they will continue to grow. Fertilize just like onions. These long 12-14" shafts are ideal for appearance and flavor.

Little Farm Market-Wild Bird Store

516 C Street NE, Brainerd MN 56401

218-829-5436