Leeks
Allium ampeloprasum
Liliaceae, Lily Family
We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.
Numbers 11:5
Find leeks along with other alliums in the NIV God’s Word for Gardeners Bible near Numbers 11:5 & as part of the Garden Work theme of Cultivating, page a-27 & a-28
"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered.
John 6:43
Cultural Information
| Type | Edible Annual |
| Height | 18 - 36 inches |
| Soil | variety of soils, provide humus and good drainage |
| Exposure | full sun |
| Leaves | medium green, long, monocot, grasslike yet thicker than the other alliums, usually folded over by mid-season |
| Flowers | single flower, tear-shaped, opens up to sphere made up of a multitude of petite blossoms, purple or white |
Planting Tips
- prepare soil with plenty of compost for good workability
- sow seeds in fall for warmer climates or early spring for northern climates
- leek seeds are slow to sprout, and though they become the most stout of the Alliums, their seedlings are very fine green threads - don't uproot them by accident!
- leeks grow slowly but relatively care free, just keep them moist and fertilize from tiem to time
- leeks will linger in the garden longer than garlic or onions, up to a year or two depending on your climate
- harvest fresh as needed for on-demand dishes, and let the rest keep growing
- unlike garlic and onions, leeks are used fresh, not dried
- store unused in the refrigerator vegetable drawer, but better to let them keep growing
- "foodscape" with leeks and let them grow among ornamental grasses
Garden to Table
- a delicious flavor, a perfect blending of garlic and onion allium cousins
- slice or dice the white and light green portion of their stalks - leaves are too tough for eating
- enjoy leeks whenever you would use garlic or onion - they are especially wonderful in soups
- draw your family to the dinner table with the aroma of their saute on the stove!
- add an understated tastiness to mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables by adding braised leeks
- leek flowers make a dramatic display in bud vases
More Research
See Blog Posts on LeeksWe learn from the leeks that a complaining attitude about current circumstances will wither relationships instead of grow them.
-from the NIV God's Word for Gardeners Bible
"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered.
John 6:43
Photo Credits
© Robert Sholl | Dreamstime.com Leeks ready for market
© Kati Molin | Dreamstime.com Growing Leeks
© Grondin Franck Olivier | Dreamstime.com Chopped Leeks
