Farmer holds two Carentan Leeks on a white background.
Carentan Leeks stacked on a white background.
Running water splashing down on Carentan Leek in large jar
One Carentan Leek on a blue marble background.
Gardener&
Farmer holds two Carentan Leeks on a white background.
Carentan Leeks stacked on a white background.
Running water splashing down on Carentan Leek in large jar
One Carentan Leek on a blue marble background.
Gardener&

Leek Seeds,
Carentan

43 ReviewsSKU: #LK101Min. seed count: 200
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Description

Long, thick (2 inches across), vigorous, and fast growing; delicate, deliciously mild flavor; great fresh or cooked. The Carentan leek was mentioned by Vilmorin in 1885. An old European favorite that is becoming rare. Very adaptable and yields are good.

Growing Tips: Sow indoors in late winter. Set outdoors 6-8 weeks before last frost of spring into rich, finely-worked garden soil. Hill up plants for long white shanks.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Allium ampeloprasum
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
4–6 in.
Ideal Temperature
45–80°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Carentan is the quickest leek of this group at about 100 days, so it suits a shorter season. Start it indoors in late winter, ¼ inch deep in pots at least six inches deep — shallow pots will not do — and hold them at 60–65°F, where the seed sprouts in 7–14 days without extra heat or light.

Once the soil can be worked in spring, harden the seedlings off and set them out about 6–8 weeks before your last frost. The shanks thicken to roughly 2 inches across, so give them rich, finely worked garden soil and hill the plants up as they grow for a long white stem.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds do not need excessive heat or sunlight to germinate.
  • Temperatures of 60-65 F are best.
  • Sow seeds ½ inch in pots at least six inches deep. This is crucial; do not sow in shallow pots.
  • Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 60-65 F.

How to Grow

  • Harden off plants outside once soil can be worked in spring.
  • Dig a trench 6 inches deep and place seedlings 6 inches apart in a row at the bottom of the trench.
  • As the leeks grow, gradually fill in the trench; this is called blanching and it will keep the “stems” white and tender.
  • Leeks need rich, finely worked garden soil.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Leeks are relatively pest and disease-free.
  • The biggest challenge is to keep them free from weeds, as all onion family members are terrible at competing with weeds.
  • Try mulching with plastic mulch or a thick layer of other mulch to keep the weed competition down.

How to Save Seeds

  • Leeks will not cross with any other allium (onion) family members, but they do require 1 mile isolation from other leek varieties for seed saving.
  • Leeks are biennial.
  • In mild winter areas, simply allow them to overwinter and protect with mulch if temperatures below freezing are expected.
  • In cold climates, leeks will need to be dug up and stored in a root cellar. Replant in spring, and allow them to flower.
  • Leek seeds can be stored for up to 3 years, but germination is usually only as high as 50 percent.

FAQ

What is Carentan like in the kitchen?

The stems are long and thick, about 2 inches across, with a delicate, deliciously mild flavor that is great fresh or cooked. The variety was mentioned by Vilmorin in 1885 and is an old European favorite that is becoming rare.

How much weeding do leeks need?

Leeks are relatively pest and disease-free; the biggest challenge is keeping them free from weeds, as all onion family members are terrible at competing with them. Plastic mulch or a thick layer of other mulch keeps the competition down.

Can I save seed from Carentan?

Leeks will not cross with onions, garlic or chives, but they will cross with other Allium ampeloprasum such as elephant garlic, kurrat and pearl onion, as well as with other leek varieties, so isolate 1 mile for pure seed. They are biennial: in mild-winter areas let them overwinter under mulch, and in cold climates dig them and store them in a root cellar, then replant in spring and allow them to flower. Leek seed can be stored up to 3 years, though germination is usually only as high as 50 percent.
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