Saving Leek Seed

[Ananke]

I cut the seed heads off my leeks a few months ago and they have been lying in a bag since, I brought them home from the plot tonight to get the seeds out of them but the flower still feels softish rather than crispy like I had imagined they would be.

I've put them into a muslin bag and hung them on the clotheshorse in the living room to see if that helps dry them out further but i'm now wondering if that's just how they are supposed to.

Any advice appreciated

[zazen999]

No, they need a period of dry heat to dry out; then they can be sown.

[Ananke]

Thanks Zazen, that's the answer I was hoping for.

[Ananke]

I'm not sure where I've gone wrong. I rubbed the dried flowers today to release the seed and there are very few there.

Maybe I cut the flowers off too soon and the seed hadn't yet developed or too late and the seeds have dropped.

[zazen999]

There should be 6 in each flower, 2 in each of the 3 pods.

How many flowers have you got? Even with one, you should have a fair amount. Unless they hadn't gone black in which case, too soon.

Leeks are notoriously hard to save from....

[veggiechicken]

Not quite the same as leeks but - today I cut some dried heads off the garlic chives in the garden. Most of the flowers were brown and dry and I could see the black seeds in them. There were a few green seed pods amongst the brown ones which I pulled off and left to dry further. I've just finished doing it and the kitchen and my hands reek of garlic!

[Ananke]

I had two flower heads Zazen and no seeds. I think you are right, i've picked them too early......... ah well, theres always next year

Veggiechicken, those garlic chives sound lovely, i've never heard of them.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Leeks are notoriously hard to save from....

Not sure I can agree with that. Mine are put down to seed as early as August/September which gives them a good chance to re-establish before the onset of winter. I leave them to their own devices until the following October when I will then cut the heads and take them into the greenhouse to dry out before harvesting. It is easy to check whether you have seed there by using your nail to split one of the individual flowerheads. The seed will initially be green turning to black when ripe.


I have more problems seeding onions than leeks and grow a few in the greenhouse where I have much more success. Onions clearly need a bit more heat than leeks.

[zazen999]

Not sure I can agree with that. Mine are put down to seed as early as August/September which gives them a good chance to re-establish before the onset of winter. I leave them to their own devices until the following October when I will then cut the heads and take them into the greenhouse to dry out before harvesting. It is easy to check whether you have seed there by using your nail to split one of the individual flowerheads. The seed will initially be green turning to black when ripe.


I have more problems seeding onions than leeks and grow a few in the greenhouse where I have much more success. Onions clearly need a bit more heat than leeks.

They are hard because they often rot outdoors before the seed has gone black; as evidenced by this thread.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Not something I have had problems with up here and our weather isn't as good as down your way either. Anyone having that problem should try seeding them indoors. That is why I seed my onions inside.

[lottie dolly]

I cut the seed heads off my leeks a few months ago and they have been lying in a bag since, I brought them home from the plot tonight to get the seeds out of them,

Any advice appreciated

could the mice have had a feed,
this is my first year saving leek seed,and have been a success,mine were placed in a bag near the radiator,when the seeds are ready just tap the head inside the bag,and they start to fall out,all black,i ended up with a heck of a mess lol on the table top,when i later gently rubbed the head to release more,mr LD came in and said,whats happened here,i have not yet tseted to see if they viable,but am willing to send you a few dozen,just PM your addy,
ps, i cannot remember what they were,just leeks ,

[veggiechicken]

Veggiechicken, those garlic chives sound lovely, i've never heard of them.

They're sometimes called Chinese chives and have a flat leaf, unlike normal chives which are round. Also a pretty white flower which smells rather delicately of roses - not at all garlicky!. Mine have been growing in a pot outside for some years, without any TLC.
I also have three-cornered leek, which is similar to a chive but with a three cornered leaf, growing wild in a woodland patch. Its quite invasive but rather lovely with drooping white flowers that are a little like bluebells. This also tastes of garlic and can be used in cooking.
If you'd like some Garlic chives seeds, I'll post your some.

[Ananke]

I would love to have some seed, i'll send you a PM.

[veggiechicken]

No problem! Have replied to your PM.