Kings Seeds Leek Tadorna

Tadorna leeks are of a medium length with a very upright habit and is extremely winter hardy. Dark green leaves. It crops from December to March.

Leeks are the main ingredient and inspiration for two world famous soups; Scotland's cock-a-leekie and France's crème vichyssoise.

When to Sow Tadorna Leek Seeds

Sow these vegetable seeds from January to February under glass or March to April outdoors.

Where To Sow

Early sowings can be made under glass at 14C. Sow the seed into pots or trays and cover the seed with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. For Outdoor sowings, sow the seed thinly, 1.5cm (1/2in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially during dry periods.

What to do next

Once early sowings have germinated and are around 10cm, transplant into individual pots and grow on under glass until April before moving to a cold frame to harden off before planting out at 25-30cm (10-12in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows. Outdoor sowings once large enough to handle, carefully lift plants and transplant to the same spacings as above using a trowel or dibber, and water in.

Harvest

November to February.

Handy Tip

Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem. For larger leeks for kitchen or exhibition, increase the spacing to 30-45cm (12-18in) between the plants.

Nutritional Values

High in potassium and folic acid and a good source of Vitamins A and C.