Leek - Blue De Solaise - 50 seeds

Blue de Solaise Leek

Indoor Sowing

• Sow seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last expected frost date.
• Fill seed trays with seed starting mix and sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2-3 seeds per cell.
• Keep the soil moist and at a consistent temperature of 60-65°F.
• Seedlings should emerge in 10-14 days.
• Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them to one per cell.
• Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 6-8 inches tall and have a stem as thick as a pencil.

Outdoor Sowing

• Sow seeds directly into the garden 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date.
• Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil that has been amended with compost.
• Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
• Keep the soil moist and weed-free.
• Thin seedlings when they are 6-8 inches tall, leaving 6-8 inches between plants.

Growing

• Blue de Solaise leeks prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
• Hill soil around the stems as they grow to blanch them and prevent the stems from turning green.
• Protect young seedlings from pests, such as onion maggots, by covering with a floating row cover.
• Harvest leeks when they are 1-2 inches in diameter and have a long white shaft.
• Store harvested leeks in a cool, dry place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator.