***ELEPHANT*** Description: The leek, Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum (L.), also sometimes known as Allium porrum, is a vegetable which belongs, along with the onion and garlic, to family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Allioideae. Two related vegetables, the elephant garlic and kurrat, are also variant subspecies of Allium ampeloprasum, although different in their uses as food. The edible part of the leek plant is a bundle of leaf sheaths which is sometimes called a stem or stalk. Rather than forming a tight bulb like the onion, the leek produces a long cylinder of bundled leaf sheaths which are generally blanched by pushing soil around them (trenching). Once established in the garden, leeks are hardy; many varieties can be left in the ground during the winter to be harvested as needed. How to grow: PROPAGATION / SOWING OF LEEK: Start leek indoors 8-10 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow leek seeds ¼" deep and provide a soil temperature of 24°C (75°F) with even moisture. Thin and transplant young leek seedlings once they reach 2" tall into 2¼" Jiffy pots. After all risk of frost, leek seedlings may be set in a trench about 5" deep, filling in enough soil to cover the roots. Space leek plants 6" apart in rows 24" apart. Gradually fill the trenches in during the season. Planting this way blanches the shaft of leeks. Leek Can be direct seeded after risk of frost. As leek grow be sure to hoe the soil up around the plants during the season to blanch the shaft. CARE & GROWING OF LEEK: Leeks prefer full sun and a soil pH of 6.0-6.5. Leek are moderate feeders and require very deep, rich soil. Add compost and well rotted manure prior to planting leek. Use mulch to conserve moisture and to keep the weeds down. Good soil moisture helps to keep the leek stems tender and juicy. Water during dry spells. The seeds are factory packed in paper envelopes. Germinating power is tested, best before 12.2017.
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