Kitchen Garden Forum

While reading a gardening blog, I came across a reference to perennial leeks (http://slowlivingessentials.blogspot.co ... table.html) But cant find much more info on them anywhere... anyone heard of these before? or got any advice on perennial leeks (actually, dividing leeks rather than perennial it seems)


cheers

dan

dan
I think it only happens at a certain age


And on a serious note ... I do tend to wonder if some of these references to increasing numbers of 'perennial' varieties merely means letting them self seed. I can see how we would divide a clump of leeks that have seeded but not how you could possibly divide individual leeks, imagine the rot, mould and onion flies that would have a field day, has to be a no no.

Having dome some more digging, the leek in question seems to be a Babington leek (or wild leek) which has a tendency to multiply like some spring onions do. Apparently Babington and 3cornerd leeks do this, where as the leek reaches maturity, new 'baby' leeks grow arround it from the roots.

So, I would seem I'm looking at a clumping leek, not a true perennial... That makes more sense

Dear Dan,
these leeks can be hard to get hold of so try growing Welsh onions instead (allium fistulosum I think). These grow in the same way as Chives but are much bigger like an overgrown spring onion.
Regards Sally Wright.

I was looking at Welsh Onions (which arnt from wales at all lol) but I wanted both spring onions (or welsh unions) and leeks, because I use a lot of both in different situations... But yes, I've noticed that clumping leeks are hard to get hold of But i'll see, No rush, so I guess I'll just make do with the welsh onions for now

ps, yes it is allium fistulosum
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