Description

Grow your own long, crisp leeks with 'King Richard'—a variety known for its mild, rich onion flavor and exceptional cold tolerance. Unlike typical onions, leeks have compact stems that thicken but don’t form bulbs. The 'King Richard' variety produces extra-long white stems, which can reach up to 12″ in length under optimal conditions, while the green tops provide a stronger, more robust flavor. Cold hardy to 20°F, this leek can stay in the garden for extended harvesting, even after a light frost. Enjoy it fresh, grilled, sautéed, or added to soups and stews for a delightful flavor boost.

Botanical Name: Allium ampeloprasum
Days to Maturity: 75 days
Family: Alliaceae
Native: Eastern Mediterranean region
Hardiness: Biennial grown as an annual
Plant Dimensions: 18″–30″ tall. Under optimal growing conditions, the white part of 'King Richard' can be 12″ long, making the entire plant up to 30″ long.
Variety Information: Leek plants resemble a long, fat green onion. The white lower portion has a mild onion flavor while the green tops are stronger tasting. Cold hardy to 20°F.

When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date for late summer harvest, late spring for fall harvest, and in Mild Climates, late summer for the following spring harvest. Soil temperature should be at least 40°F, ideally 60°–85°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 7–14 days
Seed Depth: ¼
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 6″
Row Spacing: 12″
Thinning: When 1″ tall, thin to 1 every 6″

Harvesting: Harvest leeks when tops are 15″–18″ tall, and shanks are at least 1″ in diameter. Use a garden fork to gently lift and loosen soil under the leeks, and then pull them up by hand. Leeks tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F, and can therefore be harvested even after a few freezes, which enhances flavor.

This packet sows up to 36 feet. 210 seeds.