Kings Leek Mammoth Pot Seeds

Mammoth Blanch is a superior exhibition variety with extra long white blanch and thick, broad flag. Sow from mid-January to early March at 15°C. Do not overwater seedlings as this may cause damping off. Harden off and plant out from early May. Not only is the leek a well known tasty winter vegetable, but its root system has the added advantage of improving heavy soils. Leeks are in the ground for quite a long time and do take a fair amount of work, but they really are worth all that effort; so its not surprising they will be found on almost every vegetable plot. The leek is the most important ingredient in two of the world famous soups; Scotland's cock-a-leekie and France's crème vichyssoise. 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.