Winter Leek
Tadorna stands as Johnny's Selected Seeds' most reliable open-pollinated fall leek, bringing dependable harvests to autumn gardens across the country. This hardy Allium porrum cultivar matures in 100 days from transplant, developing substantial stems that thrive in cool weather when other vegetables are winding down. With its bush-like growth habit and precise 4-inch spacing requirements, Tadorna transforms from pencil-thin transplants into robust leeks perfect for hearty fall and winter cooking.
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What sets Tadorna apart is its exceptional reliability as a fall leek, earning recognition from Johnny's Selected Seeds as their most dependable open-pollinated variety in this category. This cultivar excels in the challenging transition from summer to winter, maturing just as gardeners need substantial vegetables for cold-weather cooking. Its open-pollinated nature means you can save seeds year after year, while its proven performance makes it a cornerstone variety for serious leek growers.
Tadorna leeks shine in the kitchen's most comforting preparations, from rich soups and warming stews to elegant grilled presentations that highlight their mild onion flavor. Their versatility extends to delicate applications like paper-thin slivers folded into fluffy omelets, while their substantial size makes them perfect for hearty dishes that define cool-weather cooking. Packed with vitamins K and A, these leeks bring both nutritional value and culinary creativity to the autumn and winter table.
Start seeds in flats 10-12 weeks before the last frost, sowing 1/4 inch deep and spacing seeds 1/4 inch apart, or use plug flats and thin to one plant per cell. Alternatively, sow up to 10-12 seeds in a 4-6 inch pot for later separation.
Begin transplanting in late spring when plants reach approximately 8 inches tall and pencil-thick. Create holes 6 inches deep using a dibble, placing transplants so only 2-3 inches of leaves extend above soil surface. Space plants 6 inches apart in rows at least 12 inches apart, allowing irrigation or rain to naturally fill the dibble holes rather than firming soil manually. If tops exceed 5 inches before transplanting, trim back to 3 inches.
Thin direct-sown plants to the strongest seedling when they reach 4-5 inches tall.
Harvest Tadorna leeks anytime they reach 1/2 inch in diameter or larger for optimal texture and flavor, though finger-sized leeks offer milder, more tender eating for fresh salads. Unlike onions, leek tops remain green and do not die back, so rely on stem diameter rather than foliage changes to determine readiness. In regions where the ground doesn't freeze, leeks can remain in the garden all winter for harvest as needed, while in colder areas, harvest before ground freeze.
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