Allium porrum
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Allium porrum

Leek · Garden leek · Common leek · Purret

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 7–10
Click count
38
Observations
477

Description

Source: leafsnap

The leek is a vegetable, a cultivar of Allium ampeloprasum, the broadleaf wild leek (syn. Allium porrum). The edible part of the plant is a bundle of leaf sheaths that is sometimes erroneously called a stem or stalk. The genus Allium also contains the onion, garlic, shallot, scallion, chive, and Chinese onion. Three closely related vegetables, elephant garlic, kurrat and Persian leek or tareh, are also cultivars of A. ampeloprasum, although different in their uses as food.

🎭 Forbearance, good luck, affluence, togetherness, fortitude

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Wild leek develops vigorously when exposed to sunlight for most of the day. It can still thrive in locations with somewhat reduced light. In its native habitats it is often found in open fields that have abundant sun. Conditions with either too little or too much light are detrimental and can weaken its growth and vitality.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

Wild leek is adapted to native growth environments in regions with average annual temperatures of 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). For healthy growth, the ambient temperature around this plant must remain within that range.

Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Humidity: normal (40-60%)
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

To maximize the yield and flavor of Wild leek, provide ample nitrogen throughout the growth cycle, including the pre-planting phase and up to harvest. Plants that are well-watered and properly fertilized develop abundant, healthy leaves and exhibit less bitterness. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure, ideally 2 to 8 weeks in advance.

🪴 Pot & Repot

Repot Wild leek in early spring. Choose a pot that is wider than it is deep and provides good drainage. Use a loamy, well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Carefully remove old soil from the bulb and plant it so the depth matches the bulb’s height. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the pot in a sunny spot. Avoid overwatering to prevent the bulb from rotting.

✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial, Annual
Genus
Allium
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
1.83 m
Mature Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Lavender, White
Flower Size
4.06 cm to 11.43 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Winter, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer
Native Area
Libya, Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Israel, Iran, Ethiopia, Albania, Algeria, Romania, Turkmenistan, France

Tags (9)

Common Names (4)

en Leek
en Garden leek
en Common leek
en Purret