Siegfried Frost Winter Leek

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seeds
$4.00
Item: 2427-A
Allium ampeloprasum (porrum group)

Making much of its growth below ground where it is protected from the cold, this leek often withstands the rigors of winter to offer a delectable spring treat. With stalks growing as much as 4" across, there is plenty to enjoy. Most will survive winters with good snow cover if you hill them and mulch after the ground freezes. Alas, the recent prevalence of open winters with fluctuating temperatures and multiple freezes and thaws is making overwintering less of a sure bet. Although discouraging, this presents an opportunity for selection of plants that can face the swings of climate.

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* We are currently receiving seed from our growers. We may hold orders for up to two weeks as we pack seed to complete orders.

Additional Information

Leeks

  • 1 gram packet about 240–360 seeds, 1⁄16 oz packet ~400–600 seeds; 1 oz, 6,400–9,600.

Culture: Start indoors with onions and transplant out in spring almost as soon as the ground can be worked. Set 6–12" apart in trenches or well-dug beds with generous quantities of organic matter. Avoid transplanting next to grass strips; slugs love to dine on tiny allium seedlings. Irrigate seedlings whenever the topsoil dries out.

Summer leeks have tall shanks above ground and should be harvested before severe frosts. Hardier leeks have broader, shorter shanks and will hold till November. Leeks brought into the root cellar will survive almost all winter if heeled into soil. Leek seed is short-lived. Retest 1-year-old seed before using, and discard anything older.

Alliums

Alliums are heavy feeders and want generous amounts of organic matter, fertilizer and water. Late transplanting and poor fertility can result in small onions or failure to form bulbs. Alliums are notoriously intolerant of weeds. Slugs love to munch them, and in areas above 40° latitude, root maggots may be a problem.

Diseases:

  • DM Downy Mildew
  • PR Pink Root
  • ALERT: Leek Moth is emerging as a serious pest potentially affecting all Alliums in the Northeast. Consult your local Cooperative Extension for more info.

Growing Alliums From Seed

  • Timing: Start allium seeds indoors in February or March.
  • Minimum germination soil temperature 45°; optimal range 60-70 °. We discourage using bottom heat because alliums germinate poorly in soil temps above 70°.
  • Transplant: in spring soon after the ground can be worked

Note: Allium seed is short-lived. We do not hold over hybrid onion seed because of precipitous decreases in germination. Test 1-year-old seed before using. Discard anything older.

Germination Testing

For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.

Our Seeds are Non-GMO

Non GMO

All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.