American Flag produces tasty, uniform, white leeks with a pale yellow center, about 20 to 25 cm long and 3 to 4 cm in diameter. The plant has blue-green fan-shaped foliage and grows to a height of 45 cm. It is popular with market gardeners and home gardeners. Cold hardy, these leeks can be harvested late in the fall to allow the first frost to improve their flavor. They freeze well.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Seeds

~500

Difficulty       

Easy

Sowing        

Indoor

Lifecycle      

Biennial

Root cellar   

No

Sowing season       

Winter

Growing tips

Conditions of germination:

depth of sowing: 5 mm

optimal temperatures of germination: 18 to 29 ºC

time for germination: 5 to 7 days

When to sow:

indoor sowing about 3 months before the last frost date in your area

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm,

keep all the seedlings if space is available or keep only the most beautiful ones. Transplant by burying the collar for 2 cm.

Transplant outdoors:

When the soil can be worked

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 10 to 15 cm

between rows: 30 cm

Height of the plants: 45 cm

Soil: loose, well drained and fertile

Exposure: full sun or light shade

Maturation: 120 to 150 days, but young leeks can also be harvested and eaten before they reach full maturity

Specificity:

In zones 4 and above, some leeks can be left in the ground in the fall for an early spring harvest. Mulch generously (20 cm of mulch) at the base of the plants.

While the plant is growing, surround the base of the leek with a mixture of soil and compost to encourage the leaves to start higher up on the plant and to obtain more longer barrels.