Leek - Musselburg

SKU: LE28010A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 280-315 seeds per gram.
​​Allium ampeloprasum porrum
Lot# LE28010
​​​This delicious tasting member of the onion family produces leaves that are a medium green with a nicely elongated stem 20-22.5 cm (8-9") long and 5-7.5 cm (2-3") thick. Plants grow on a sturdy upright habit with tops (flags) reaching between 50-100 cm (20-39") tall. Musselburg Leeks are mild tasting, with white stems that are fantastic in stews, soups and other dishes. 
Planting Instructions:  
  • Start seedlings indoors at least 6-10 weeks before your last frost with soil temperatures 60-75 degrees. February to mid-March, and transplant in April.  Plant seeds in flats or cells 0.5 cm (1/4”) deep, 0.5cm (1/4”) apart. Transplant seedlings outside later in the spring when they are around 20cm (8") tall. Space the transplants 10-15 cm (4-6") apart in rows 30-45 cm (12-18") apart.  Plant the seedlings quite deep as it is only necessary to keep 2.5-5 cm (1-2") of the leaves above ground.
  •  Seed can also be sown directly into the garden in April through June. Seedlings should be about a pencil thick in size at planting time.  Directly sow seeds 7 mm (1/4") deep in early spring. Thin the seedlings to 10-15 cm (4-6") apart to allow for growth. Start harvesting baby leeks at 1/2” diameter and leave some for a larger end of season harvest. You can plant leeks in a 5-6” trench and as the plants mature, fill in around them to assist in blanching.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked-rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8.
  • Planting Depth:  7 mm (1/4")
  • Germination:  10-12 days.
  • Height at Maturity:   50-100 cm (20-39") tall. 
  • Days to Maturity:   90 days for maturity from transplants.
  • Watering:   Keep the plants evenly watered and the growing area clear of any weeds
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:  5-15 cm (2-6”) apart in rows that are 45-75cm (18-30") apart.
  • Harvesting:  Start harvesting baby leeks at 1/2” diameter and leave some for a larger end of season harvest.
  • Storage: Do not wash before storing – brush as much of the soil off as you can and trim back roots.  Cut the green tops (Flags) off at a 45 degree angle like you see in the grocery stores.   Leeks are best used fresh, but if you must store them, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for seven to 10 days. Smaller leeks keep longest, so use the large ones first. Don’t trim them until you are ready to use them.
Additional Information
Harvest leeks from loose soil by pulling them up. Pulling them out of heavy soil can injure the roots. Use a garden fork to reach under the roots and lift them from heavy clay soil. Shake the plants and brush off as much soil as possible and then rinse them thoroughly. Slice leeks in half lengthwise immediately before use and rinse out any remaining soil.  To store leeks for longer periods, you can store leeks in clean ‘play’ sand in a container if you have a root cellar.   Cover them with sand, leaving a bit of space between each so air can circulate. Fruit should be kept at least an inch apart. Do not wash any produce that you are sand storing, as this would accelerate decomposition. Just brush off any dirt and remove any green portions. 
Harvesting:  Start harvesting baby leeks at 1/2” diameter and leave some for a larger end of season harvest.
Storage: Do not wash before storing – brush as much of the soil off as you can and trim back roots.  Cut the green tops (Flags) off at a 45 degree angle like you see in the grocery stores.   Leeks are best used fresh, but if you must store them, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for seven to 10 days. Smaller leeks keep longest, so use the large ones first. Don’t trim them until you are ready to use them.