Leek – Zagora
€1.95
Description
A most unique leek variety from the Zagorian mountains of Bulgaria. It’s completely different from any other leek I know as the stem grows to at least 50cm tall and remains pale and naturally blanched all the way up. It doesn’t get as thick as other leeks but grows tall instead. This has become my new favourite leek.
Sowing:
February to March
Sow 2 seeds per cell in modular trays and plant out 8-10 weeks after sowing without splitting up the seedlings.
Spacing:
Between rows: 45cm
Between plants in the row: 30cm (2 plants per station)
Approx. seed count: 100
Growing leek – Zagora
Latin name:
Allium porrum, or ampeloprasum
Family:
Alliaceae (commonly known as Alliums)
Not only are leeks one of the most popular winter vegetables but also are perfectly suited to any outdoor conditions. In fact for most of the year leeks perform a lot better outside than under protection.
Therefore, this section is only for the die-hard leek lovers that can’t do without them in May and June.
Legend and lore:
The Emperor Nero is reported to have been nicknamed Porrophagus because of his inordinate appetite for leeks. He imagined that frequent eating of leeks improved his singing voice!
Soil and site:
Leeks – Zagora require a very fertile soil therefore, it should be enriched with plenty of farmyard manure or compost. The ideal pH range is between 6.5 – 7.5.
Sowing:
For tunnel or greenhouse use I would only use an early variety. The seeds can be sown in modular trays in late January. Also I generally sow two seeds per cell.
Planting:
Leek – Zagora can be planted approximately 6 to 8 weeks after sowing in modular trays. The modules can be planted when the roots hold the compost together in the cells. Furthermore, the cells should not be split up and the two seedlings should be planted together.
Spacing:
Between plants: 30cm if two plants are planted together.
Between rows: 45cm.
Plant care:
As the plants grow also earth up the leeks with soil in order to blanch the stems. This simply means the covered part of the leek turns white. However, be careful that you don’t get soil into the heart of the leek.
Harvesting:
The first early leeks from the tunnel or greenhouse will be ready from May onwards. Trim off the roots at the base without cutting into the shank and trim the leaves so that they are the same length as the stem. Also, be careful not to scatter the soil into neighbouring leeks.
Potential problems:
Leek – Zagora are relatively trouble free especially these quick growing early ones. Once ready however, you have to harvest them because otherwise they will bolt.
How much to grow?
You will get 18 leeks per square metre.
Baby Leeks:
In addition, there is a trend or fashion in all things small. Therefore, many restaurants demand baby leeks. Baby leeks can easily be produced by decreasing the spacing to about 10cm each way. That means you could then get 100 baby leeks per square metre.
For more information have a look at my monthly newsletters on:
https://greenvegetableseeds.com/newsletters/
For information on organic certification:
