Seasonal Garden - Perennial Leek

 Planting information sourced from Green Harvest

I love leeks, so when I started out with my veggie patch I was keen to give leeks (annual) a go. I had not grown leeks before so I followed the instructions, but boy it was hard work. For  length of time that they took to grow,  and the effort involved, to be honest I was not sure it was worth it, plus the crop comes all at once, like onions, so what do you do the rest of the year.

So when I first came across this plant, about three years ago in the Green Harvest Organic Gardening catalogue, I decided to purchase a few bulbs.  Slightly scarred after my first attempt with the annual leeks and not too sure what to expect with these perennial ones,  I was soon to learn that they would become a staple in my garden and kitchen.

Plant Name - Allium Ampeloprasum var.porrum

Other names used for this plant include: Perpetual leeks, Multiplier leeks. 

The plant originated in Europe and is part of the Alliaceae family.

The Perennial leek looks a lot like garlic with its flat strap like, grey-green leaf. Size wise it can vary depending on the size of the bulb/bulblet/offset, with the larger bulb producing a plant similar in size to the annual leek, and the smaller bulb producing a plant like a spring onion, with of course, all the sizes in between.

Leeks are biennial and will flower in the second year.

PLANTING DETAILS

I propagate my Perennial Leeks by replanting the small offsets (bulblets) that form around the base of the original bulb, forming a clump.

To propagate, I simply divide the clump, removing the offsets and replanting. If you have grown spring onions, you can see a similar thing happening as the spring onion plant gets older and send up new baby plants from its base.

Planting rate: You can plant in rows with the space between each plant being 15 cm apart with 30 cm between rows.  However I grow my plants on mass in raised container beds.  When you are harvesting your leeks, you tend to always leave a few bulblets behind, so I find it easier to have a leek patch, rather than a row(s). Plant offsets deeply (10 - 15 cm) and water well.

I have chosen not to not grow these leeks in the ground, the reason for this being  once to have a leek patch, you will always have a leek patch. Which is not a bad thing really, unless you are wanting to plant other veggies in this spot at a later date.

Recommended planting time: I re-plant when the plant goes dormant in the hot summer months of December.  The larger bulbs I separate out and plant in a new container, these I grow out to almost full size annual leeks. I tend to grow these smaller bulblets either in my 'leek' patch, or I grow in smaller containers. I then cover with compost and re-mulch. The leeks will reshoot once the days shorten and the temperature drop.  My leek patch is productive for about 10 months of the year. The smaller leeks I use like spring onions.

 

  

 

  

I have also grown these leeks in smaller wicking containers.

Position

They grow well from the subtropics to cool temperate areas and tolerate frost. They do best in full sun however here in St George they will tolerate partial shade, especially from our harsh afternoon spring/summer sun.

Soil

Leeks prefer a fertile, well drained soil with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5; use well composted manure. Perennial leeks are generally tolerant of neglect. They may die back to small bulbs in summer if the soil becomes too dry or hot, but will reshoot when conditions improve.

Watering

The bulbs can rot in the ground if the soil is too damp and poorly drained. The leeks will grow faster and more lush if they are given compost, moisture, mulch and an occasional seaweed/worm juice tonic. 

Pests and Problems

A very useful plant that is extremely hardy and pest resistant. So far I have had no problem with any pest or diseases.

Harvesting

I harvest my plants at the end of Spring, beginning of summer. With the larger plants it is best to harvest before they send up the flower spike as this can result in a fibrous centre to your leek. 

Uses

Food: As I mentioned earlier, leeks are one of my favourite vegetables and are so versatile, especially these perennial leeks. They are delicious in soups, stews, quiches and baked alone.

Perennial leeks are very versatile in the kitchen; young slim leeks can used in a similar way to spring onions; mature leeks are harvested and used before flower spikes appear. I use these leeks where ever I would use onions. 

It is the white stem plus 10 - 15 cm of the green leaves that are generally eaten. However I have also eaten the bulblets and flower spikes.  But if you are a bit late like I was this year in harvesting your second year larger leeks, you can harvest the flower spike whilst still young and tender and use in stir fries.  

Storage

I trim off the roots and excess greenery, wash and store  in the crisper of the fridge. The bulblets, if for food, I store in a container in the fridge, but if for replanting, I put into a container and cover with slightly damp sand/soil until I am ready to plant out.

I also freeze the excess and use later in the year to make winter warming soups.

Final Points

For me, this is a must have plant in my veggie garden. It can be a bit hard to find these bulbs in a nursery or online to start your patch, however the link at the beginning of this article will take you to the site where I first sourced mine, or of course you can contact me below in the comments section to source bulbs from me.

More information can be found here:

Melbourne Permablitz - Hero of the month - Perennial Leek

Comparing Perennial Leeks with Regular Leeks

Perennial Leek