LEEK JOLANT F1

Very early cropping variety with a mild flavour and can be used for Mini Vegetables or grown on to harvest from August onwards.

Leeks are a fabulous, winter hardy, vegetable providing a harvest from September through to April. Flavoursome and easy to grow leeks can be enjoyed in a variety recipes, steamed or braised, in soups or casseroles, or paired with roasted parsnips and smothered in cheese sauce.

Two sowings of leeks, spaced 2 or 3 weeks apart, will extend the harvesting season.

Leeks are easy to grow but need a little looking after. They perform best when sown in containers or growing cells and transplanted to their final positions when they reach pencil size.

Sow Leek seeds from January under glass, a cloche, cold-frame or greenhouse is ideal, or from March or April outside. Germination normally takes 10 to 14 days.

Once the young plants to reach the thickness of a pencil, and have grown to about 20 cm tall, typically by June, they are ready to be transplanted into ready-made holes. Prepare the holes to be 15cm (6in) deep, 15cm (6in) apart in rows spaced 30cm (12in) apart.

Water well the day before lifting and transplanting.

Drop a young leek into each hole, you may need to trim the roots slightly first, then fill the hole with water to help settle the roots.

To increase the length of white stem it can be blanched by gently and gradually drawing up dry soil around the stem, always taking care not to allow soil to fall between the leaves.

Water during long dry spells and keep weed free.