Organic Leek, Varna

Leek - Varna - Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)

Biennial Varnas have mild, sweet oniony flavor. The plant has hardy blue-green leaves, and thick, 7"-10" stems which blanch snowy white. These leeks are good for fall and winter harvesting and grow quickly. Use in soups, stews, and stir-fries. This is a standard variety for home gardens and market growers.

Soil & Water: Leeks prefer well-drained, limed soil, rich in organic matter. You can either fill a 6"-8" trench with compost and fill up the trench as the leeks grow, or plant at surface level and hill them up.

Planting & Growing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Keep tops trimmed to 2" and set out 2 weeks before last frost. In warm climates, seed is usually sown in summer for a fall harvest. Leeks overwinter in mild climates.

Harvesting & Storage: In freezing climates, leeks should be stored in cool, moist conditions. Many gardeners mulch the ground heavily in winter and harvest directly from the ground as needed.

Did You Know? The leek is an ancient national symbol of Wales. In fact, a leek is the cap badge of the Welsh Guards, an infantry division of the British Army.

Soil Temperature: 60-80F
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Germination: 5-12 Days
Height At Maturity: 15"-18"
Days To Maturity: 130 Days
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 6"
Approx Seeds per Pack: 100 Seeds