Dr. Joe Masabni
Patrick Lillard
Department of Horticulture
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Description
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The leek is a member of the onion family, but unlike the onion, it does not form a bulb. The thick, fleshy stalk is about the same diameter at the base and resembles a large green onion without a bulb. Leaves are flattened like those of garlic.
Culture
Leeks are grown like onions. Plant seeds or transplants during late fall or early winter. Set plants out in early spring. When they are about the size of a pencil, till up the soil around the plants to make the edible portion longer and whiter.
Selection
Select or harvest leeks that are about 1 inch in diameter and free from blemishes. Tops should be healthy looking and free of discoloration. Leeks keep for several weeks if maintained at temperatures near 35°F and a relative humidity near 90 percent.
