Fall Leek
Lancelot Leek transforms from tiny seed to harvest-ready stalks in just 70 days, making it one of the quickest leeks you can grow. This robust member of the Allium family thrives in cool 45°F weather and develops thick, flavorful stalks perfect for everything from hearty winter soups to delicate omelet garnishes. With proper 4-inch spacing and consistent moisture, Lancelot produces tender leeks that can be harvested at finger size for salads or left to mature into substantial stalks over half an inch in diameter.
Full Sun
High
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Perennial
High
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What sets Lancelot apart is its remarkable speed to maturity at just 70 days, unusually quick for a leek variety. The stalks pack impressive nutritional value with high levels of vitamins K and A, while maintaining the mild, sweet flavor that makes leeks so versatile in the kitchen. This variety offers incredible flexibility in harvesting, from tender baby leeks perfect for fresh salads to mature stalks ideal for long cooking methods like braising and roasting.
Lancelot excels in hearty soups and stews where its mild onion flavor adds depth without overpowering other ingredients. The tender stalks are superb when grilled, developing a sweet caramelized exterior, or sliced into thin slivers and folded into omelets for a delicate onion note. Its versatility shines in both raw preparations like salads when harvested young, and in long-braised dishes where the stalks become silky and sweet.
Sow up to 10-12 seeds in a 4-6 inch pot for efficient space usage. If seedling tops grow over 5 inches before transplant time, trim them back to 3 inches to encourage strong root development and prevent the plants from becoming top-heavy.
When planting out, carefully separate the individual seedlings and place them in a shallow trench. Fill the trench around the seedlings gradually and water thoroughly to help them establish in their new location.
When direct sowing, thin seedlings to the strongest plant once they reach 4-5 inches tall to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper bulb development.
Harvest Lancelot leeks anytime they reach half an inch in diameter or larger for the best texture and flavor balance. For tender, mild leeks perfect for fresh salads, harvest them at finger size when they're at their most delicate. Since leek tops don't die back like onions, visual cues focus on stalk diameter rather than foliage changes. The versatile harvest window means you can take what you need when you need it.
If tops reach over 5 inches before transplant, cut back to 3 inches to promote strong root development. Unlike onions, leek tops do not naturally die back, so no additional pruning is typically needed during the growing season.
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