Kings Leek Below Zero F1 Seeds

Below Zero F1 produces pure white stems with dark leaves that stand well over a long period without bolting. This variety has good rust resistance with extreme cold resistance. Not only is the leek a well known and very tasty winter vegetable, but its root system has the added advantage of improving heavy soils. Leeks are in the ground for a long time and do take a fair amount of hard work but the effort will be well worth it in the end. When to Sow: January to February under glass or March to April outdoors. Where To Sow: Early sowings can be made under glass at 14°C. Sow the seed into pots or trays and cover the seed with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. For Outdoor sowings, sow the seed thinly, 1.5cm (1/2in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially during dry periods. What to do next: Once early sowings have germinated transplant into individual pots and grow on under glass until April before moving to a cold frame to harden off before planting out at 25-30cm (10-12in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows. Outdoor sowings once large enough to handle, carefully lift plants and transplant to the same spacings as above using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Harvest: November to February. Handy Tip: Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem. For larger leeks for kitchen or exhibition, increase the spacing to 30-45cm (12-18in) between the plants. Nutritional Values: High in potassium and folic acid and a good source of Vitamins A and C.