Large giant Musselburgh Leek (Allium ampeloprasum) Leek Vegetable - Organic, Non-GMO
Large Giant Musselburgh Leek (Allium ampeloprasum) Leek Vegetable- Organic, Non-GMO
Biennial
The Large giant Musselburgh Leek is a classic heirloom variety known for its robust and flavorful stalks. It's a biennial plant, meaning it typically takes two years to complete its life cycle.
Year 1:
- In the first year, the Large Musselburgh Leek grows as a vegetative plant, producing thick, edible stalks. These stalks are prized for their mild onion-like flavor and are often used in soups, stews, and various dishes.
Year 2:
- In the second year, the leek will bolt, producing a tall flower stalk. At this point, it's no longer suitable for culinary use, but you can collect the seeds from the flowers for future plantings.
Growing Instructions:
- Sunlight: Leeks prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil is ideal for leeks. Ensure good soil preparation with organic matter like compost.
- Start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.
- Germination usually takes 14 to 21 days.
- Once the seedlings have 2-3 leaves, transplant them into individual pots or cells, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- When the leek seedlings are about the thickness of a pencil and have at least 6 inches in height, they can be transplanted into the garden. Plant them in rows, 6-8 inches apart, with a spacing of 12-24 inches between rows.
- Ensure consistent watering, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Leeks benefit from a side-dressing of compost or balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Leeks should be hilled up (soil mounded around the base of the stalk) as they grow to create long, blanched stalks.
- Harvest the leeks when they reach the desired size, typically in late summer or early fall, but they can be left in the ground over winter for a sweeter flavor.
- Maturity for harvesting typically ranges from 100 to 120 days from sowing.
- Seed count: 10
Enjoy the delicious, onion-like flavor of the Large Musselburgh Leek in your culinary creations.