This heirloom leek dating back to 1870 produces thick leaves and large stems (10-15″ in length and 2-3″ in diameter). Also known as Giant Musselburh or Scotch Flag, this variety is incredibly hardy and can overwinter.
Leek – American Flag – Allium ampeloprasum
Soil & Water: Leeks prefer well-drained, limed soil, rich in organic matter. You can either fill a 6-8″ trench with compost and fill up the trench as the leeks grow, or plant at surface level and hill them up.
Planting & Growing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Keep tops trimmed to 2″ and set out 2 weeks before last frost. In warm climates, seed is usually sown in summer for a fall harvest. This variety overwinters in both Northern and Southern growing conditions.
Harvesting & Storage: In freezing climates, leeks should be stored in cool, moist conditions. Many gardeners mulch the ground heavily in winter and harvest directly from the ground as needed. Some gardeners harvest as baby leeks too.
Soil Temperature: 60-80F
Planting Depth: 1/4″
Germination: 5-12 Days
Height At Maturity: 15-20″
Days To Maturity: 90-120 Days
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 6″
