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Large American Flag Leek Garden Seeds - Below Standard - Low Germ
Germination Details
- Germination: 44%
- State (Utah) Requirements: 60%
- Suggested Use/s: Gardening
- Special Directions: This seed is 16% below standard. Increase the number of seeds you plant to ensure you get the growth you envision.
What is "Below Standard Seed"?
Simply put, it is seed that doesn't meet our state's (Utah) germination standard, a standard that varies slightly from seed to seed. Any seed intended for gardening with a below-standard germination rate cannot be sold alongside seed that meets state requirements (which often reflect national germination requirements).
We send samples of all our seed to the Utah Department of Agriculture, where they perform several tests to assess the quality of the seed. These state-wide and national seed standards are in line with Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA), which exist to ensure consumers that they are getting the highest quality seed, as advertised. Since this seed doesn't meet the state standard, we mark it as "Below Standard Seed".
Low germination seeds are non-refundable.
Click here to view regularly priced, high germination seed.
How to Grow Large American Flag Leeks from Seed
Leek is an overwintering biennial that boasts a milder, less pungent variation of onion while having the same tolerances to frost, disease, and pests. Above the soil, leeks appear to be thicker and broader than onion plants, without developing a bulbous root. Leeks mature up to 24 inches tall and take up only a few inches in width in the garden.
Leeks are a cool, hardy crop that can be sown directly in early spring or late fall. Begin 10-12 weeks indoors before the final spring frost or 6-8 weeks before the first autumn frost. Plant 2-3 seeds 0.25 inches deep per cell, 2-3 inches apart, in the garden in deeply tilled, organic, well-drained soil. Germinates in 7-14 days, thinning back to every 4-6 inches in the garden. Leeks have a shallow root system and require regular watering and a top layer of mulch.
Large American Flag Leeks in the Vegetable Garden
Leeks are an overwintering biennial that boasts a milder, less pungent variation of the onion while having the same tolerances to frost, disease, and pests. Above the soil, leeks appear to be thicker, broader onion plants without developing a bulbous root. Leek matures up to 24 inches tall and takes up only a few inches in width in the garden. Grow leeks alongside other winter favorites such as scallions, garlic, shallots, and onions for similar growing and harvesting times.
Large American Flag Leeks (Allium porrum var. ampeloprasum), also known as Scotch Flag or Giant Musselburgh, are tasty vegetables in the onion family, with a sweeter, milder flavor than onions. It has large white stems with green leaves at the top. It likes moist soil, but shouldn't be overwatered. The flavor is wonderful if extra care is taken to blanch the stalks. Will overwinter in warmer climates. American Flag Leek is a biennial, grown as an annual. Leeks are great boiled, fried, baked, and steamed. Also goes well in soups, stews, and stir-fries. The baby leeks after thinning are great in salads. Leeks have been around since ancient Egypt. Leeks are popular in many cultures.
Stems grow 10-15 inches long and about 2-3 inches in diameter. Leek seeds should be planted indoors 50 to 60 days before the last frost. Very hardy; overwinters well in most regions, doing well in both southern and northern states. Leeks can also be planted directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked - leeks like long sunny days to grow big. Leeks have few pests or diseases. Hilling your leeks will encourage longer shanks.
Harvesting Large American Flag Leek
Wide varieties have a longer harvest time, but some may be ready as soon as 80 days. Like asparagus spears, harvest leek stalks from beneath the soil by carefully prying them up from the roots with a gardening fork. As a relative of the onion, leeks are also eaten somewhat similarly, with the white portion of the stalk being the most flavorful and prized part of the vegetable.
About Large American Flag Leek Seeds
Originated around 1870.
Also called Giant Musselburgh or Scotch Flag. Leeks date back to the time of the Ancient Egyptians. Their popularity has grown through many cultures since then.
Leeks form a tasty, pearl-white bulb with large green leaves. They have a delicate onion flavor that makes them a favorite in soups, stews, and salads.
Perfect for the home gardener and market grower.
Recommended by the Following State Universities or Ag Extension Offices as a variety that performs well for their region. FL, OR, TX
Large American Flag Leek Seeds Per Package:
- 5 lb - Approximately 720,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Approximately 3,600,000 Seeds
