Leek Elefant

Leek Elefant: variety and characteristics

Leek Elefant (Allium porrum L.) is a biennial crop grown for harvest as early as the first year, from the onion family (Amaryllidaceae). A good winter variety with excellent flavour qualities. The more soil is banked up around the plant, the longer the white stem will be.

The leek is a very healthy and versatile vegetable.

Leek also contains: vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B11, C and K. and the minerals: calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.

It also contains plenty of fibre and few calories. The concentration of healthy nutrients is highest in the green part of the plant.

The leek is a sweet and mild onion for soups, stews and pies. It is cold-hardy and can stay in the garden until winter.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 88%
• Pack size: 1 g
• Seed origin: Italy
• Sowing: February – May; seedlings
• Harvest: January and October – December
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Leek Elefant

Leek Elefant seeds are sown in February – May. Harvest in January and October – December. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Leek Elefant

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: 15 cm in the row, 30–40 cm between rows
• Germination: 10–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

The leek is extremely hardy and can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. Sow in pots in early or mid-spring to produce pencil-thick seedlings about 20 cm tall. Sow outdoors from early April. Choose a sunny spot with good, loose, moisture-retentive soil. Plant in pre-made holes 10-15 cm deep and 20 cm apart between plants in a sunny spot. Trim off 1/3 of the top and 1/3 of the roots to stimulate growth.

Plant the seedlings in deep furrows and gradually earth them up to obtain a long white part.

Harvest and use

Harvest from August through winter.

Frequently asked questions

When should Leek Elefant be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February – May. Sowing method: seedlings.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 88%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

How do you get a long white leek?

Plant the seedlings deeper and earth up 2–3 times during the season.