Pot Leeks

[Frana]

Hi All,

I have recently been to veg exhibition which has started off a bit of an idea for a future project.

POT LEEKS!

I had honestly never heard of these stumpy looking things - and although I appreciate that I was viewing some expertly grown specimens - I was completely taken in!

I would very much like to grow my own pot leeks to a good standard next year, purely for my own satisfaction - not for show - but the idea of getting them to grow to mammoth proportions is somewhat of a challenge.

Can anyone offer any advice, tips feeding guidelines etc... that would help me in my quest, I have already purchased some Robinson's Pot leek seeds which I am told is a good start!

[chris]

Someone else does this for presents, I can't remember who it was though.. You can treat leeks pretty rough, quite a few on here just bung them out once their grass like into a corner somewhere in the garden, and then once they're pencil thickness plant on (or pot, I guess ) to their final positions.

I've noticed though, other than planting them in MPC they do like light. Sounds daft, but I've some I planted at the same time, some being pencil thickness still (under partial shade), and others in full sun being fat like you buy in the shops.

If you want a nice white part, you'll need to plant the leek in the pot deeper than it already has been growing - vegmandan on here has a youtube channel about his dibbing/planting method that I found useful.

[gojiberry]

Having purchased special seed I'm sure you are aware that pot leeks are nothing like the normal allotment leeks. The first thing to find out is soil selection bearing in mind that you are looking to get a huge plant from a relatively small pot. Secondly you need to find out the feeding and watering regime as the plant is going to be totally dependant on you. Other than that it should be plain sailing. Good luck.

Ian

[richkw]

Having purchased special seed I'm sure you are aware that pot leeks are nothing like the normal allotment leeks. The first thing to find out is soil selection bearing in mind that you are looking to get a huge plant from a relatively small pot. Secondly you need to find out the feeding and watering regime as the plant is going to be totally dependant on you. Other than that it should be plain sailing. Good luck.

Ian

Pot Leeks are a type of leek. Not leeks grown in pots!

See: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...leeks_347.html

[Snadger]

The term 'pot leek' is derived from them being grown for the pot, i.e. in soups and stews!
I'm experimenting with them at the mo..........got some just germinated in a seedtray on the windowsill and some grown from leek 'grass' in the greenhouse.
Because they are a biennial you should be able to get them to grow for about a year and a half before they run to seed..........we shall see............the experiment goes on!

[Snadger]

Pot Leeks are a type of leek. Not leeks grown in pots!

See: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...leeks_347.html

And if you try to grow them in large pots or bags they won't allow you to enter into a show or even stamp them. The reason is that they are then deemed as portable and could easily be moved from one leek grower to another to win numerous shows.........if they are that good!

[Burnzie]

Hi Frana, keep a look out in your local free paper as you will often see local growers offering their potted on seedlings for sale. I'm a bit out of touch but they used to sell for circa £12 / dozen.

They'll need growing on and potting up a couple of times before being planted out into well prepared beds.

Warning : can be addictive

Have you tried growing big onions?


regards

Burnzie

[Aberdeenplotter]

keith foster of exhibition seeds does an excellent booklet on growing both blanch and pot leeks. If you can translate from yorkshire into english you should be ok with that.

[Frana]

Burnzie,

I am going to try with the whole big onion thing and am in the middle of preparing a trench as advised by a very good 'old boy' on my allotment.

I am going to have a go at Robinson's 'Mammoth' and if they are no good, I can always fall back on the reliable Japanese Sensyu!

I have been advised to start the 'Mammoth' at the end of December and by way of experiment have sown a few in the last couple of weeks in pots. They have so far gone from greenhouse to cold frame and are doing very well - we will have to wait and see!

[Burnzie]

Hi Frana, good luck with your big leeks.

If you get a chance over the christmas holidays sneak away and sow a few big onion seed on Boxing Day. Kelsae is a reliable strain, and taste good too.

Burnzie

[zazen999]

I have been advised to start the 'Mammoth' at the end of December and by way of experiment have sown a few in the last couple of weeks in pots. They have so far gone from greenhouse to cold frame and are doing very well - we will have to wait and see!

They need to be started after the shortest day - as they are sensitive to day length and when it starts getting longer they think they are in their second year and can bolt. Which technically they are even if they are only a few weeks old.

Sow anytime after 21st Dec.

[Snadger]

Traditionally show onions are sown on Christmas day and show leeks on New Years Day!
Both days allow the menfolk to get out of doing the washing up!