Seeds – Leek, Alto OG (HM) High Mowing

Latin Name: Allium porrum
Main Uses: Vegetable
Days to Maturity: 75 – 85 days
Exposure: Full sun
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 7-21 days.
Sowing Indoors: 12 weeks before planting out. Sow 3 seeds per plug cell. For best results, apply Sea Magic™ kelp from the first watering. Apply a seedling-starter fertilizer such as Evolve Seedling once the second set of true leaves has appeared, and then alternate between the kelp and seedling starter until transplant.
Planting out: Plant seedlings in a trench 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep. When plants reach 6 to 8 inches tall, gradually hoe fine soil from the sides of the trench to fill the space. Keep doing this over the next 3 weeks adding an inch of soil around the leek. Always keep the soil level just below the point where the leaves diverge from the stems.

Notes: Leeks must be started indoors in February or March to produce a summer crop.

Growing in Containers: Grows very well in raised beds.

Fertilizing (Containers): Plant in a composty, well-draining potting mix. No additional fertilizer is typically required.

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Not suited for mixed planters.

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden recently amended with compost. The application of Kelp fertilizer is beneficial.

Watering (Garden): Water deeply to establish. Water mature plants weekly during hot weather.

Beneficials Attracted to this Plant: Leeks have few problems with pests as they confuse many insects. Leeks are known to repel carrot flies.

Garden Companions: 

• Vegetable Companions: Leeks grow well with many vegetables and so can be added to almost any crop family. Leeks are said to improve the growth and yield of apple trees, carrots, celery, and onions.
• Avoid: planting near legumes.

Special Requirements for Cold Climate Gardeners: Don’t grow leeks in the same place year after year as there will be an increased risk of pests and diseases, therefore crop rotation is important.

Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.