Leeks

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Allium porrum

CULTURE:
Leeks are heavy feeders and require fertile soil (pH of 6.2-6.8) for best results.

GROWING SEEDLINGS:
Sow in flats in Feb.-March, 1/4" apart, 1/4" deep or start in plug flats, thinning to one plant per cell.

TRANSPLANTING:
Beginning in late spring, when approx. 8" tall and pencil-thick, transplant 6" apart in rows at least 12" apart in holes dibbled 6" deep. Only 2-3" of leaves need to extend above the soil surface. Do not firm soil - allow irrigation or rain to fill in the dibble hole.

DIRECT SEEDING:
Sow in early spring, 6 seeds/ft., 1/4- 1/2" deep, in rows 24" apart. Thin to 6".

BLANCHING:
During the growing period hill the plants with soil 2 or 3 times, higher with each hilling. This forces the leaves higher up the plant resulting in extra-long blanched stalks and a much longer edible portion. When using the "dibble method," hilling is reduced or eliminated.

HARVEST:
When plants reach desired size, loosen with a spading fork and lift plant.

STORAGE:
Clean leeks and store several weeks at near freezing in a humid cooler in boxes, or store in a root cellar with roots in moist soil/sand/peat mix.

DAYS TO MATURITY:
From transplanting; add 20-30 days if direct seeding.