Drip, Drip There Goes the Leek Seeds Again

Leek seeds are known as being members of the onion family, but leeks have a much more distinct flavor. According to any seed catalogue, these seeds are usually related as being native to the Mediterranean Sea area and certain parts of Asia. The leek seed has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years and has been most popular in Europe.

If these seeds sound familiar it is because leeks are one of the foods mentioned in the book of Numbers in the King James Version of the Bible. Leeks are sometimes called the "poor man's asparagus" due to their look and ease at which they can be grown.

Leekity Split They Smell Like Onions

Cultivated leeks, as detailed in catalogues, come in both long and short season varieties. The short season seeds have a smaller and thinner stem and do not keep as well as long season leeks. The sweet and delicate flavor of leeks and their striking appearance makes many gardeners grow these vegetables year after year.

A key for good seed development for leeks is that of having good soil. Leeks need nutrient rich, well-drained soil that has all the necessary minerals for proper consumption mixed with a delicate soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good crumbly loam is what leeks truly prefer. But, they will do well in almost any garden soil as long as it is well aerated and deep, usually around twelve inches or more. Leek grows best in soils that are somewhere between a 60 and 65 degrees.

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