Carantan Leek (Heirloom 100 Days)

Heirloom 1874. The 1930 D. M. Ferry catalog names the Carantan Leek “Monstrous Carantan”. An old French variety that does require a long growing season. Per Ferry “The largest variety, when grown well, often 3” in diameter. White and tender. It is an exceptionally hardy garden sort.

200 seeds

Please note that germination rates for alliums (onions/shallots/chives/leeks) decline rapidly. We strongly encourage you to purchase new seed each growing season.

PLANTING

Allium porrum

Germination: 5-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-75ºF. 

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4" deep

Sowing Indoors: Start 8-10 weeks before the last frost with soil temperatures 60-75 ºF. Sow in flats 1/4” deep, 1/4” apart. Transplant seedlings out mid/late spring, 4-6” apart. Liquid fertilize seedlings every 7-10 days. Seedlings size should be about a pencil-thick at transplanting time.

Sowing Outdoors- Early to mid-spring when the soil temperature reaches at least 55-60 ºF. Sow 1-3 seeds per inch, thin to 4-6” apart. 

How much does a packet plant: 25-30 foot single row  

Harvest- Start harvesting baby leeks at 1/2” diameter and leave some for a larger end of season harvest.

Tips-  The Carantan leek needs fertile, well-drained soil. Amend with compost or apply organic granular fertilizer. Adequate water is very important for optimum growth, 1" per week. You can plant leeks in a trench and as the plants mature, fill in around them to assist in blanching.