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LEEKS (Allium porrum)
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Full Sun
Requires six hours or more
of strong, direct sun per day. |
 LEEK
Leek is an onion like plant used in cooking and recognized by its distinct odor. Leek is a relative of the onion, chives and garlic. The plant has long, quill-like leaves and a bulb which contains the fruit.Leek is believed to be native either to Algiers or to Switzerland. The herb was first grown by ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. In Europe, leek was cultivated during the Middle Ages as a savored vegetable and a flavoring agent.
Beneficial companion plantsPlants that are benificial to leeks for both growth and insect control are onions, celery and carrots. For information on other vegetable companion plants see the companion planting chart.Planting and culture of Leeks
Leeks like a rich, deep loamLeeks like a rich, deep loam, but are not too particular about soil requirements. They respond readily to heavy applications of mature compost during soil preparation. Well-rotted manure may be substituted if necessary, but avoid the use of raw manure. Leeks will tolerate a moderately acid soil, but it must be one rich in nitrogen.Planting Leeks
Seeds are planted thickly, 1/2 inch deep. When the plants are eight inches high they should be carefully dug up , this is the time for transplanting seedlings. Remove half the tops and replant the seedlings six inches apart in trenches six inches deep and three or four inches wide. A heavy supply of sifted compost humus should be incorporated with the soil in the bottoms of the trenches.Moon Phase Planting of LeeksIf you are gardening by moon phases leeks seeds and transplants should be planted when the moon is in the 2nd Quarter (i.e. waxing) and in one of the following Zodiac Signs: Scorpio, Sagattarius
Leeks (sets) should be planted when the moon is in the 3rd or 4th Quarter (i.e. waning) and in the following Zodiac Sign: Libra
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