The Leek

Allium porrum.

The Leek is a hardy biennial, and produces an oblong, tunicated bulb; from the base of which, rootlets are put forth in great numbers. The plant, when full grown, much resembles what are commonly known as "Scallions;" the lower, blanched portion being the part eaten. This varies in length from four to eight inches, and in diameter from less than an inch to more than three inches. The leaves are long, narrow, smooth, and pointed; and spread in opposite directions, somewhat in the form of a fan. The flower-stem proceeds from the centre of this collection of leaves, and is about four feet in height. The flowers are white, with a stripe of red, and are produced in terminal, globular groups, or umbels; the seeds are black, irregular, but somewhat triangular in form, and, with the exception of their smaller size, are similar to those of the onion. About twelve thousand seeds are contained in an ounce; and they retain their vitality two years.

Soil, Sowing, and Cultivation.—The Leek is very hardy, and easily cultivated. It succeeds best in a light but well-enriched soil. When fine leeks are desired, it can hardly be made too rich. It should also be thoroughly spaded over, and well pulverized to the depth of at least twelve inches. The seed should be sown in April, at the bottom of drills made six or eight inches deep, and eighteen inches asunder. Sow the seeds thinly, cover half an inch deep, and thin the young plants to nine inches distant in the drills. As the plants increase in size, draw the earth gradually into the drills, and around the stems of the leeks, until the drills are filled. By this process, the bulbs are blanched, and rendered tender and mild flavored. The seeds are sometimes sown broadcast, and in July transplanted to trenches, and subsequently cultivated, as before directed. The plants are also sometimes set on the surface, and afterwards earthed up to the height of six or eight inches in the process of cultivation. In October, the leeks will be suitable for use; and, until the closing-up of the ground, may be drawn from time to time as required for the table. For winter use, they should be preserved in earth or sand.

Early leeks may be obtained by sowing the seeds in a hot-bed in February or March, and transplanting to the open ground in June or July.

Seed.—To obtain seed, some of the finest plants of the growth of the previous year should be set out in April, fifteen inches apart, and the stems sunk to the depth of three or four inches. "The seed ripens in autumn, and its maturity is known by the heads changing to a brown color. It is best preserved in the heads; and these should be cut off with a portion of the stalk a foot in length, tied in bunches, and hung in a dry, airy situation. In this manner, the seed will retain its vegetative powers for two or three years: after that time, it is not to be depended on."—Thomp.

Use.—"The whole plant, except the roots, is used in soups and stews. The white stems, which are blanched by being planted deep for the purpose, are boiled, served with toasted bread and white sauce, and eaten like asparagus." It has the flavor, and possesses the general properties, of the onion.

Varieties.—

Common Flag. Vil.

Long Flag.

The stem, or blanched portion, of this variety is about six inches in depth, and an inch in diameter. The leaves are put forth in opposite directions, are comparatively erect, and of a glaucous-green color.

The variety is remarkably hardy, and well suited for open culture.

Large Rouen. Thomp.

Gros de Rouen. Vil.

Leaves very dark-green, broad, and of thick substance; stem rather short, but remarkably thick, sometimes measuring nearly four inches in diameter. It is now the variety most cultivated near Paris; and, since its general dissemination, has been much approved by all who have grown it. It is found to be the best kind for forcing, as it acquires a sufficient thickness of stem sooner than any other. In England, it is pronounced one of the best, if not the best, of all varieties.

Little Montagne. Vil.

Stem very short and slender; foliage deeper green than that of the Common Flag. It is the smallest of the leeks. Not much cultivated.

London Flag.

Large Flag. Broad Flag. English Flag. Gros Court. Vil.

Stem about four inches in length, and nearly an inch and a half in diameter. The leaves are larger, of a paler color, and softer in their texture, than those of the Common Flag.

The London-flag Leek is hardy, and of good quality. It is more generally cultivated in this country than any other variety.

Musselburgh. Thomp.

Scotch Flag. Edinburgh Improved.

Stem somewhat shorter than that of the London Flag, but of equal thickness. The swelling at the base has the same form. The leaves are broad and tall, and spread regularly in a fan-like manner. Their color is deeper than that of the Long Flag or the Large Rouen, but paler than the London Flag. Hardy, and of excellent quality. It originated in England.

Proliferous Leek. Trans.

This is a viviparous variety of the common leek, producing young plants on its flower-stalk instead of flowers. The leaves are similar to those of the London Flag; and the plant, in its young state, before it runs to flower, exactly resembles it. The flower-scape is from two to three feet high, and supports a compact, irregular, globose umbel, composed of numerous small bulbs, intermixed with flowers. Some of these bulbs occasionally produce a second umbel, on scapes of from six to eight inches in length, but of much smaller dimensions than the principal one.

The variety is cultivated in rows, like other leeks; and the bulbs will remain sound several months after they have ripened.

Small Early Netherland. Thomp.

Small Summer Brabant.

Leaves long, narrow, dark-green; stem small. On this account, it is not so valuable as many others for a main crop: besides, if sown at the same time, it is liable to run to seed before winter. A small sowing, however, may be made with advantage for early use.

Yellow Poitou. Thomp.

Jaune du Poitou. Vil.

A remarkably large variety; the leaves having sometimes measured five feet in length, and six inches in breadth. They are of a yellowish-green color. The underground or blanched portion of the stem is yellowish-white, and is more tender than that of any other variety. On this account, and also for its large size, it deserves cultivation. The great length of the leaves makes it important that more space should be allowed between the plants than is usually allotted to other varieties.