Kitchen Garden Forum

I have brought some of the above to try as an alternative to Japanese overwintering onions, but have read they do not have a bulb so are harvested more like leeks.......has anyone tried them......if so what did you think...

On a similar note, is there a variety of leek that I can so for winter use if I get the seed going now?

Compo

Hi Compo,
Guardsman F1 Onions are Salad Onions.
JB.

Hello Compo
Leeks grow slowly and steadily over a relatively long period of time (4 to 6 months) to reach a mature size. If you sow now you will only probably get leeks that are about as thick as your finger. These are superb though - delicate texture and fine taste, excellent for flavouring or baking as mini-leeks.
I'd suggest sowing in small modules, thin to a single plant and when large enough they can be planted out directly into holes at close spacing as they're not going to get too large. Don't fiddle about trimming roots and leaves. Earth up as they gain strength. I'd suggest modern quick growing F1 varieties such Oarsman or Carlton. I've had a lot of success with these in past years but I do live in a mild area. If we get a long mild Autumn you'll get a good crop but if winter starts early you won't get much!

John

Compo, the added bonus is that the small "baby" leeks that you will harvest cost three times the amount of regular sized leeks in the supermarket.