When to pick leeks?

[4390evans]

When do you know when to pick leeks?
This is the first year i have grew them sucsessfully, I planted them out some time in the early summe.

Thanks guys

[Valleyman]

Start harvesting when they are big enough. I picked my first about a month ago, but have picked as soon as the start fo September before when I needed some leeks for a recipe.

They do get a bit sweeter later in winter though, so if you haven't got a lot planted you might want to wait. Mine typically last until sometime in January but hey should last in the ground until Feb/start of march. Any later than that and I would assume you run the risk of them bolting.

[Lisasbolt]

Depends what you want, you can pick really small as baby leeks, so lovely grilled whole as a side for your dinner. You get a long picking period as they are biennial and normally do not start to bolt till it warms up.
Go on pick one and add it to your mash

[PyreneesPlot]

Traditionally any time although they are better after a cold snap.

Because they will stand right through the winter I resist eating them until I've run out of the last of the produce that will turn up its toes if we ever get any cold weather down here.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I have to confess that I grow my kitchen leeks as a winter vegetable but as has already been said, they can be harvested as soon as they are big enough.

[sparrow100]

Mine went in late. They are shockingly spindly things with early onset rust. Am declaring them intentional baby leeks and scoffing them whenever I have a craving for cheesy leeks!

[Aberdeenplotter]

Am declaring them intentional baby leeks and scoffing them whenever I have a craving for cheesy leeks!

Let's have a recipe for these cheesy leeks then. I'm sure there must be a thread for fav recipies. I'm orf to look

[Jay22]

My leeks didn't make it past the pencil stage so I can't help you.

[4390evans]

My leeks didn't make it past the pencil stage so I can't help you.

Yeah mine was like that last year well the ones that actually came through from seed.