Leeks going to seed

[Beryl]

Johnboy,

No I wouldn't normally sow so early. I think to over-winter they need a longer growing period but I think March is the earliest I would sow seed to plant out in late June early July.

With all the heavy rain this year too I think that encouraged plants put out early to grow too quickly.

Hopefully 2008 will be a 'normal year'.

Beryl.

[Chantal]

Well I'm going to hedge my bets next year and sow some every week for a couple of months.

[Monika]

I know I am coming into the discussion a bit late, but just to say, I agree with John about the cold spell in May. Quite a few of our leeks are bolting (Musselburgh), certainly more than usual and I tend to sow and plant our leeks at roughly the same times every year. So I do agree, I think the leeks considered they have gone through winter already and are ready to flower! I usually use the flowering ones first because the outside leaves are quite ok for soups and stews.