Leek problem

Hi There again.

Last Autumn, I grew from seed Leeks, "Bandit F1's". They have all grown but have, without exception bolted and the result is uneatable solid core leeks, which I have just dug up to scrap. They were grown in a very deep bed, as I have in past years and all I added was some Vitax 04. Have no idea what I have done wrong? The ground was not manured and it had previously grown potato's before planting the leeks.

Anyone got any ideas, so that I don't repeat this next year?

stony

 

Hi Stony, I think timing is your problem. Those leeks have been through a winter and we are now into June, that's why they're running to seed.

I start my leeks in the spring and grow some for summer eating as a vegetable and some to stand into the winter for soup. I usually have them all finished by March - after that I think there is every chance they would go to seed.

 

I agree with Alice, this seems very late to be harvesting winter leeks!

 

Timing as Alice says.
This year I sowed mine (in a box) on 2nd April and planted them out today.

I lifted the last half dozen of last year's leeks on 16th May this year and they were still in reasonably good condition though some were starting to sprout seed heads.