Leek Musselburgh Seeds

Outdoors: sow thinly March-April, in a seed bed, 1.5cm (½") deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-cultivated, fertile soil, which has already been watered. Seedlings usually appear in 14-28 days. Water well until plants are established. Transplant, 15cm (6") apart, into 15cm (6") deep holes made with a dibber. Allow 30cm (1') between rows. Water seedlings, but do not fill holes with soil. Or sow indoors, January-February, 0.5cm (¼") deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Keep moist. Transplant 5cm (2") apart to other trays, when large enough to handle. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts) before planting out, May-July, into well-cultivated, fertile soil. Harvest: October-March.

Apply high nitrogen fertiliser to your leek bed, just prior to planting them out in summer, to help them through a long growing season.

As plants grow, draw up soil around them to improve length of blanch (white stem).