American Flag Leek
The American Flag leek variety is a classic heirloom known for its striking appearance and mild flavor. It features tall, erect stalks with a blue-green hue and white shanks. The contrast between the dark green leaves and the white stems resembles the colors of the American flag, hence its name. This variety is prized for its uniformity, adaptability to various growing conditions, and its ability to withstand cold temperatures, making it a popular choice for home gardeners and market growers alike.
The American Flag leek variety is a classic heirloom known for its striking appearance and mild flavor. It features tall, erect stalks with a blue-green hue and white shanks. The contrast between the dark green leaves and the white stems resembles the colors of the American flag, hence its name. This variety is prized for its uniformity, adaptability to various growing conditions, and its ability to withstand cold temperatures, making it a popular choice for home gardeners and market growers alike.
Description
The American Flag leek variety is a classic heirloom known for its striking appearance and mild flavor. It features tall, erect stalks with a blue-green hue and white shanks. The contrast between the dark green leaves and the white stems resembles the colors of the American flag, hence its name. This variety is prized for its uniformity, adaptability to various growing conditions, and its ability to withstand cold temperatures, making it a popular choice for home gardeners and market growers alike.
To plant the American Flag variety of leek:
1. **Site Selection:** Choose a sunny location in your garden with well-drained soil. Leeks prefer
fertile, loamy soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
2. **Soil Preparation:** Work the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches, removing any rocks, weeds, or
debris. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and
structure.
3. **Sowing Seeds:** Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your
area. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in trays or pots filled with seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain temperatures around 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal germination.
4. **Transplanting:** Once the seedlings have grown to about pencil thickness (6-8 inches tall)
and have developed several leaves, they are ready to transplant. Plant them in the garden bed, spacing them 6 inches apart in rows with 12-18 inches between rows.
5. **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Leeks require
regular watering, especially during dry periods.
6. **Fertilizing:** Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost around the base of the plants every 4-6
weeks to promote healthy growth. Leeks are heavy feeders and will benefit from additional nutrients.
7. **Hilling:** As the leeks grow, gradually mound soil around the base of the plants to blanch the stems and encourage longer, tender white portions. This can be done periodically throughout the growing season.
8. **Harvesting:** American Flag leeks typically mature in 90-120 days. Harvest them when the stems are about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the base of the plants, then carefully lift them out of the ground. Trim the roots and any damaged leaves before storing or using.
