Leek
(Allium Porrum). The Leek is a hardy biennial plant, cultivated for the use of the lower part of its leaves, which form a sort of elongated bulb It has never been found in a wild state, and botanists who have studied the subject have confirmed the suspicions of Linnaeus and the older authors that It is a cultivated form of the widely-distributed A. Ampeloprasum. Leeks, when well grown, and the stems thoroughly blanched, constitute an excellent and whole-some vegetable; they are also valuable as a potherb. Their extended cultivation in small gardens is confidently recommended, as in many--possibly in the majority--it is not at present attempted.
Cultivation. Leeks are raised from seed, which should be sown thinly in a seed-bed, and lightly covered, about the middle of March. A small quantity may be sown earlier than this for using first, and a later sowing will form a succession. If sown thinly broadcast, as advised, but little after-attention will be necessary, with the exception of weeding, and an occasional watering, until June, when the plants of the main crop will be ready for transferring to their permanent quarters. An open situation is preferable, and a rich soil, such as that which has been manured the previous autumn. Transplanting should be performed in showery weather, or, if such does not obtain, the ground should be lightly turned over afresh, or be watered. Planting is practised in several ways; some growers prepare trenches, somewhat like those for Celery, and add soil for blanching as growth proceeds; and others make rather large, deep holes, wherein to plant. The latter is the easiest method, and the one most largely adopted. A distance of from 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. should be allowed (according to the variety) between the rows, and the plants placed from 9in. to 12in. asunder. Holes should be made about 3in. in diameter, and a strong plant dropped upright in each, and merely watered in. The surrounding space may be filled in with soil when hoeing, after the plants are grown sufficiently to allow of it being performed without burying the crowns. When the trench system is adopted, earthing-up must be practised occasionally, to cause the blanching, which is obtained without it by the other method. The Leeks will be fit for use from September throughout the winter and spring. Any not used before April may be lifted, and their roots laid in soil, in a cool position, until required; this will prevent them running to seed. If seed is desired, some of the best plants should be selected, and placed in a warm situation about the beginning of March. The seed ripens in autumn, and the heads containing it may be cut when matured, and suspended in a cool, dry shed, until the following spring.
Sorts. London Flag is, perhaps, the best variety for general use; it has a tall, thick stem, and is largely cultivated. The Musselburgh, or Scotch Flag, is a large and hardy sort, with long, thick stems. Ayton Castle and Henry's Prize are large and fine varieties for exhibition. The Lyon Leek is a novelty recently distributed. It is stated to have been grown and exhibited with the blanched portion 20in. in length, and 4in. in diameter; the whole plant weighing over 4lb. This variety has been well grown in Scotland.