Leek Seeds - Large American Flag

Name: Leek Seeds - Large American Flag
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: LK5
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Sturdy, mild-flavored heirloom leek ideal for hearty winter cooking.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: LK5

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1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Introducing the Large American Flag Leek, a classic heirloom known for its robust growth and impressive size. This variety stands tall, reaching heights of up to 20 inches, making it a striking addition to your vegetable garden. Typically maturing in about 130 days, these leeks develop thick, tender stalks that are perfect for a range of culinary uses. The Large American Flag Leek is celebrated for its mild, sweet flavor, which adds a subtle yet distinctive taste to soups, stews, and sautés.

The Large American Flag Leek showcases a color progression from deep green leaves to a creamy white base. This transition not only adds visual appeal but also indicates the leek's readiness for harvest. As the leeks mature, their sturdy stalks become a kitchen staple, offering a reliable source of flavor and nutrition throughout the growing season. Known for its high yield, this leek variety ensures a bountiful harvest, providing plenty of produce for your culinary adventures.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a culinary enthusiast, the Large American Flag Leek is a versatile choice that thrives in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Its adaptability to various growing conditions makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking reliable and flavorful produce. Incorporate these leeks into your garden to enjoy their exceptional taste and impressive growth, elevating your homegrown ingredients to new heights.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

200

Life Cycle

Biennial

Scientific Name

Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

Maturity

120-129 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Containers, Community garden, Hydroponic

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Large American Flag' (Allium ampeloprasum)Insects & MitesOnion Thrips (Thrips tabaci) (silvery streaks on leaves, reduced growth)Controls: Use reflective mulches to deter thrips. Apply insecticidal soap or spinosad at 7–10 day intervals when populations are high. Encourage natural predators like minute pirate bugs by planting companion plants such as marigolds or buckwheat.Leek Moth (Acrolepiopsis assectella) (mining damage in leaves, caterpillars inside leaf sheaths)Controls: Use floating row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs. Handpick and destroy larvae. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) when larvae are young. Rotate crops and remove plant debris to reduce overwintering sites.DiseasesLeek Rust (Puccinia allii) (orange pustules on leaves, reduced vigor)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly. Remove and destroy infected leaves. Apply sulfur-based fungicides as a preventative measure. Rotate crops and avoid planting leeks in the same location each year.White Rot (Sclerotium cepivorum) (white, fluffy fungal growth on bulbs, plant wilting)Controls: Practice crop rotation with non-Allium species. Use disease-free seed and transplants. Apply biofungicides containing Trichoderma species to suppress soil-borne pathogens. Avoid excessive soil moisture.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBolting (premature flowering due to temperature fluctuations)Controls: Plant leeks at the appropriate time to avoid exposure to cold temperatures that induce bolting. Use mulch to maintain consistent soil temperatures. Select bolt-resistant varieties for regions with unpredictable weather.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of thrips and leek moth damage.- Use row covers to protect against insect pests.- Rotate crops annually to prevent disease buildup.- Maintain proper spacing and air circulation to reduce disease risk.- Apply preventative fungicides where necessary.- Monitor weather conditions to mitigate bolting risks.

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The Large American Flag leek, a stalwart of the vegetable garden, stands tall with its long, white shanks and broad, dark green leaves. Originating from the fertile soils of Europe, the leek has been a staple in culinary traditions for centuries. Its name, \"Large American Flag,\" evokes the plant's robust stature and its adoption into American agriculture, where it has become a symbol of hearty, reliable produce.Leeks have a storied past, deeply rooted in history and mythology. The ancient Egyptians cultivated them, and they were a favorite of the Roman Emperor Nero, who believed they improved his singing voice. In Wales, the leek is a national emblem, worn proudly on St. David's Day and celebrated in folklore. Legend has it that Welsh soldiers wore leeks in their helmets to distinguish themselves from their enemies in battle, a testament to the plant's cultural significance.In the kitchen, the Large American Flag leek is prized for its mild, sweet flavor, which enhances soups, stews, and a variety of dishes. Its versatility and subtlety make it a beloved ingredient in both rustic and refined cuisines. Beyond its culinary uses, leeks have been valued for their purported health benefits, believed to aid digestion and provide essential vitamins and minerals.The journey of the leek from Europe to America is a tale of adaptation and growth. As settlers brought seeds across the Atlantic, the leek found a new home in the diverse climates of the United States. The Large American Flag variety, in particular, was developed for its resilience and size, becoming a favorite among gardeners for its ease of cultivation and impressive yield.Botanically, the leek is a member of the Allium family, closely related to onions, garlic, and shallots. Its unique growth habit, with tightly layered leaves forming a cylindrical stalk, distinguishes it from its relatives. This structure not only contributes to its culinary appeal but also to its ability to thrive in various conditions.Today, the Large American Flag leek is more than just a vegetable; it is a bridge between past and present, a testament to the enduring legacy of agricultural innovation. To plant and harvest this leek is to partake in a tradition that spans continents and centuries, celebrating both the heritage of the leek and its continued relevance in modern gardens and kitchens.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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