Leek Winterriesen 3

Leek Winterriesen 3: variety and characteristics

Leek Winterriesen 3 (Allium porrum L.) is a biennial crop grown for harvest as early as the first year, from the onion family (Amaryllidaceae). A high-performing variety producing thick, medium-length leeks with dark green upright foliage.

Very good winter hardiness; they can be picked from late October to mid-March.

This exceptionally hardy leek will withstand storms and frosts. The firm, long white stems have exceptional flavour.

Harvest while they are young and tender early in the season, or leave them, as they will stand well in the ground so that they can be used when you need them.

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 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: 86%
• Seeds per packet: 244–331 pcs (0.9 g)
• Seed origin: Italy
• Sowing: February – May; seedlings
• Harvest: January and October – December
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Leek Winterriesen 3

Leek Winterriesen 3 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 Winterriesen 3

• 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 Winterriesen 3 be sown?

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

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 244–331 seeds, pack size 0.9 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 86%. 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.