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Leek—Allium ampeloprasum L. (Porrum group)1

James M. Stephens 2

The leek is a biennial that is grown as an annual for its long blanched or unblanched stems. It forms a thick, fleshy structure like a large green onion plant without a bulb. It is attractive in appearance with its silvery base and green top.

Figure 1. Leek.
Figure 1.  Leek.
Credit: James M. Stephens, UF/IFAS

Description and Use

The leaves of some varieties are blue-green, while others are yellow-green. The leaves are flat, in contrast to the round ones of the onion, and are arranged in a fan-like manner. The thick leaf bases and slightly developed bulb are eaten as a cooked vegetable or raw with or without attached leaves. The green leaves may be eaten and have a pungent odor and acrid taste. They are used more for flavoring in salads and cooked dishes. A favorite dish for many gardeners is leek soup.

Culture

Leeks can withstand a considerable amount of exposure to temperatures below 32°F. Start leeks from seeds or transplants in the fall and grow them very much like onions. Leeks require almost 5 months from seeding to harvest when grown in the winter in Florida.

Leek varieties that have done well in Florida trials are 'Electra,' which has a short shank (bulbous portion), and 'King Richard,' which has a longer shank.

Footnotes

1. This document is HS620, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 1994. Revised September 2015. Reviewed October 2018. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. James M. Stephens, professor emeritus, Horticultural Sciences Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Publication #HS620

Release Date:November 1st, 2018

Related Experts

Stephens, James M.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

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Part of Minor Vegetable Handbook

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