Leek
Allium ampeloprasum L.
Botanical family: Alliaceae
Allium porrum (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum), a leek grown everywhere, of uncertain homeland, for its long white shaft: it is blanched by planting it deep, then earthing it up. Sources: Tela Botanica, “Allium porrum L.” (Coste's flora; Baseflor); Plants For A Future, “Allium porrum”.
Full sun
Deep, rich
Regular
Hardy: winter varieties stay in the ground without protection and are harvested all winter long
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A traditional ally of the carrot: its sulphur compounds are reputed to confuse the carrot fly (Psila rosae), on the model of the onion, whose effect has been measured (Uvah and Coaker, 1984). Earth up during growing to blanch the stem.
Good companions
Poor companions
Traditional avoidance (antagonism not demonstrated)
Insects attracted or useful
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Winter leeks: lifted from September to March.
Available: January, February, March, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Leeks » (rhs.org.uk/vegetables/leeks/grow-your-own)
- Garden Organic, « Leek » (gardenorganic.org.uk/expert-advice/how-to-grow/growing-guides/vegetables-herbs-guides/how-to-grow-leek)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture des poireaux » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-des-poireaux)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
May be less well tolerated by some people sensitive to FODMAPs.
Family behaviour: Alliaceae
In general, Alliaceae form sulphur-rich bulbs (garlic, onion, leek, chives, shallot). Their smell is reputed to confuse some pests; the effect has been measured against the carrot fly while the onion is young (Uvah and Coaker, 1984).
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Voices of peoples
Paraphrases attributed to their documented sources. Never an invented quote.
Wales (Welsh tradition of St David's Day) · Wales
The leek is one of the national emblems of Wales and is worn on St David's Day (1 March). A late legend attributes this custom to St David, who is said to have had Welsh soldiers wear leeks to recognise one another during a battle against the Saxons; a variant attributes the order to King Cadwaladr. Wearing the leek on that day is already given as an established custom by Shakespeare in Henry V (c. 1599), where the Welsh captain Fluellen and Pistol quarrel over it.
Shakespeare, Henry V (v. 1599), actes IV-V (attestation littéraire du port du poireau) ; première mise par écrit de la légende de saint David : Michael Drayton, Poly-Olbion (1612) ; Wikipédia, article « Leek ».
Fact and interpretation: the custom of wearing the leek is old and attested (Shakespeare), but the origin 'St David at the battle against the Saxons' is a legend whose first written trace is late (Drayton, 17th c.) and not a documented medieval fact. Linguistic nuance: in Welsh cenhinen = leek, cenhinen Bedr ('Peter's leek') = daffodil; the two national emblems are linked and regularly confused.