Tadorna Leek
The Tadorna leek variety is renowned for its distinctive blue-green foliage and long, thick white
stems. It’s characterized by its upright growth habit and uniform appearance. Tadorna leeks are known for their excellent flavor and resistance to bolting, making them a popular choice among gardeners and chefs alike. This variety is versatile and performs well in various growing conditions, making it suitable for both home gardens and commercial cultivation.
The Tadorna leek variety is renowned for its distinctive blue-green foliage and long, thick white
stems. It’s characterized by its upright growth habit and uniform appearance. Tadorna leeks are known for their excellent flavor and resistance to bolting, making them a popular choice among gardeners and chefs alike. This variety is versatile and performs well in various growing conditions, making it suitable for both home gardens and commercial cultivation.
Description
The Tadorna leek variety is renowned for its distinctive blue-green foliage and long, thick white
stems. It’s characterized by its upright growth habit and uniform appearance. Tadorna leeks are known for their excellent flavor and resistance to bolting, making them a popular choice among gardeners and chefs alike. This variety is versatile and performs well in various growing conditions, making it suitable for both home gardens and commercial cultivation.
To plant Tadorna leeks:
1. **Site Selection:** Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Leeks prefer fertile soil with good drainage.
2. **Soil Preparation:** Work the soil to a depth of about 8-10 inches, removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility and structure.
3. **Sowing Seeds:** Start seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Plant the 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 are about 6-8 inches tall and as thick as a pencil, they’re 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, especially during dry periods. Leeks need regular watering to thrive.
6. **Fertilizing:** Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost around the base of the plants every 4-6 weeks to provide essential nutrients. Leeks benefit from additional nutrients for healthy growth.
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 helps improve the flavor and appearance of the leeks.
8. **Harvesting:** Tadorna leeks typically mature in about 90-120 days. Harvest them when the stems are approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Use a garden fork to gently lift the leeks out of the ground, being careful not to damage the roots. Trim the roots and any damaged leaves before storing or using the leek.
