The Giant Bulgarian Leek ( Allium ampeloprasum ) is considered worldwide as being one of the best tasting and easiest to grow. It is a large variety that gives plenty in the kitchen once harvested and is great for use in stir fries and soups. The Allium ampeloprasum- Bulgarian Leek is frost tolerant and an early season, they can be grown in cold to tropical climates at the right time of year. Leeks are highly nutritious and have many health benefits.
Growth
Giant Bulgarian Leek is an annual that can grow up to 50 cm’s tall above soil level, sometimes up to a huge 90 cm’s in total! Best grown from spring to summer, can be started indoors in mid-winter to get a longer growing season. The best outdoor growing temperatures are between 10-30°C so their growing season is quite long.
Leeks are best when started in pot / trays and then transplanted into the garden. A part shade location is best for leeks, especially in warmer climates. Leeks can be grown in containers / pots if the pot is large enough. See germination instructions for further details.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Amaryllidaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
7-35°C / 45-95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well-draining but kept moist. Nutrient rich soil / compost is where leeks will thrive.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 50 cm’s (2 feet) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 15 cm’s (6 inches)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual. Can be grown as a biennial for seeding the following year.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Insects
MATURITY:
Average 100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
96%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 300
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ALLIUM AMPELOPRASUM (Leek)
Some Buddhist Monks will not eat Leek as they believe it ‘excites the senses’.
One of the national emblems of Wales is the Leek.
Leeks were regarded as superior to onions and garlic in Ancient Rome, and it has been identified that Leeks are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as a food that was plentiful in Egypt.
