leek 'Lyon'
leek or Allium porrum 'Lyon'
As the name suggests, this is a superb variety that has been excelling on the show benches since Victorian times. Long, thick white stems are topped with mid-green leaves, producing tall, elegant and fine-flavoured plants which reach maturity early for an autumn crop. They are also very hardy, staying in good condition in the garden right into winter.
Growing instructions:
Sow direct into shallow drills in a well-prepared seedbed in spring, and thin seedlings to 1cm apart. When seedlings are about pencil thickness, transplant to their final growing place, leaving 15cm between plants. For the longest white stems, dib a hole for each plant 15cm deep and drop the seedling in before filling the hole with water. If you're growing for show, start your leeks in seed trays in a greenhouse in January to give them the longest possible season.
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Slow growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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Pets: TOXIC if eaten
