Winter Leek
Lancia is an early-harvesting leek that delivers what many home gardeners search for: reliable, uniform harvests even when conditions aren't ideal. These plants reach a mature height of 20 inches with a 12-inch spread, producing long, thick white shanks crowned with upright, blue-green foliage. Ready to harvest in about 120 days, Lancia grows best in full sun to partial shade and makes a superb addition to any vegetable garden.
Full Sun
—
4-9
20in H x 12in W
Perennial
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
What sets Lancia apart is its combination of early maturity and exceptional flavor, a rare pairing in leek varieties. The thick white shanks stay tender and flavorful, while the upright blue-green tops signal vigor and health in the garden. This cultivar earns its reputation for reliability, producing uniform harvests season after season, even when the weather throws curveballs at your growing plans.
Lancia leeks excel in soups, stews, and braises where their tender white shanks soften into silky richness. The thick, mild flesh makes them ideal for creaming, grilling, or featuring as a standalone side dish. Their early maturity means you can harvest them young for a more delicate flavor or wait for fuller development depending on your culinary needs.
Start seeds indoors approximately 12 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds about 1 inch apart in seed trays or flats. Maintain good air circulation around seedlings and avoid overwatering, as leeks are very susceptible to damping off. Once seedlings reach 3 inches tall and about 1/4 inch in diameter, they are ready for transplanting outdoors.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after they reach 3 inches in height and approximately 1/4 inch in diameter. Space plants 6 inches apart in rows spaced 18 inches apart. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Lancia leeks are ready to harvest approximately 120 days after transplanting outdoors. Harvest when the white shanks have developed their full thickness and length. You can harvest these leeks by gently loosening the soil around each plant with a garden fork and pulling upward, or by cutting them at soil level if you prefer to leave the roots in the ground.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.