Leeks - Oh god what have I done

[Paul D84]

Hi all,

I just posted this in the wrong thread so apologies for that.

I planted in some seed trays last week some leeks, courgettes and parsnips to get the growing going, they have all started to grow but the leeks are about 2.5 inches long and look more like cress, I mentioned it to someone at work and they said they have bolted and will be no good, is this true???? I thought I was doing well

[Nicos]

Leek seedlings can't look like cress!!!- they are more like a grass...here ya go!



and then they go straight!

[Nicos]

Is it the black seed shell that you're confusing with cress?
Leeks are supposed to grow tall!

If you can post a piccie it would be easier to see what's actually going on!

( bolting means the plant is going to flower and produce seeds-like a lettuce going to seed- what they are actually meaning is that the seedlings have gone leggy which tends to mean they won't be as sturdy as one that hasn't gone leggy. )

[Paul D84]

Thanks so much, they do look a bit skinnier than the ones in the first pic but you have put my mind at ease slightly, when should I plant them outside if they are looking like the ones at the top already??

[Nicos]

They will eventually need hardening off- outside for a couple of hours a day- or better still into a greenhouse or cold frame.I'd keep frost free for now though.

Have a look at this...
Résultats Google Recherche d'images correspondant à http://www.growyourown.info/leek%20seedlings%20box%20300-1.jpg

[nerdgas]

Plant out when pencil thickness.

And if you have them indoors try to get them out into a greenhouse or cold frame.

They'll not do anywhere as well in the house if it's warm.

BTW - How deep are the seed trays? You'll probably have problems with the parsnips if you've not planted them in something that you can't plant out in entirety when they're big enough. If you disturb the roots then they will most likely fork.

[Flummery]

I usually sow them quite thickly in a small pot and once they are big enough to handle I prick them out individually into big margarine tubs, about half an inch apart each way. This allows them to thicken up to pencil size.

As Paul says, don't grow them to warm. They are capable of standing through an evil winter so they don't need coddling at the seedling stage. Good luck with them. They're delicious!

[Janek]

I agree with all the above comments. As well as being delicious in tarts (with or without other veggies) no soup, stew, casserole or goulash is as good if leeks are not added. Mother those leek seedlings well and they will reward you manyfold!

Janek