Heirloom Leeks
Leeks
Harvesting Leek Seeds
Leeks are often grown from sets, or small bulbs, but leeks grown from seed are of better quality and less prone to disease. Leeks flower and form seed in the second year of growth and are cross-pollinated by bees. To preserve the purity of a certain strain for seed saving, make sure your different varieties don’t flower at the same time or keep them separated by at least 100ft. this will reduce the likelihood of a cross. Dig up your best leeks in the fall of the first year and store in a cool (32-40 degrees), dry place over winter. When ground can be worked in the spring, replant them 3-4 in. apart, covering bulbs with .5in. of soil. Make a cut in the top of the onion before replanting in help the seed stalk emerge more quickly. Harvest onion seeds by cutting off seed heads, drying for several weeks, and rubbing off seeds with your hands. Seeds ripen gradually but flower heads shatter easily, so be sure to watch them closely. Onion seeds are harvested BIENNIALLY.
Giant Musselburgh
Scottish variety introduced in the early 1800s. Enormous leeks that are 9-15″ long by 2-3″ in diameter. Tender white stalks, dark bluegreen fan-shaped leaves. Mild flavor, stands winter well. Good buncher for market gardens.
Maturity: 80-150 days
