LANCELOT LEEKS

Lancelot leeks are a popular and reliable open-pollinated variety of leek known for their vigorous growth and excellent flavor. They are a favored choice for gardeners and farmers due to their uniformity and hardiness.

Here is a detailed description of Lancelot leeks:

Appearance and Flavor:

• Stalk: They are characterized by long, thick, and succulent white shafts that can grow to be 12-14 inches long.

• Foliage: The shafts are topped with deep blue-green, upright leaves, sometimes referred to as "flags."

• Taste: Lancelot leeks have a mild, sweet, and delicate onion flavor, which makes them a versatile ingredient in many dishes. They are particularly well-suited for soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and salads.

Growing Characteristics:

• Type: Lancelot is an "open-pollinated" variety, meaning it can be saved and replanted for generations. It is also an autumn-type leek, with good resistance to bolting (premature flowering) and viruses.

• Maturity: This variety is relatively quick to mature, with a typical harvest time of 90-110 days from transplanting.

• Cultivation: Leeks thrive in full sun and prefer rich, well-drained soil. A key part of growing Lancelot leeks is "blanching," which involves gradually mounding soil around the growing stalk to keep it out of the sun. This process extends the length of the white, tender, and mild-flavored part of the leek.

• Hardiness: Lancelot leeks are known for their winter hardiness and can be overwintered in milder climates for a late-season or early spring harvest. They can withstand heavy frosts and are one of the first vegetables to be planted in the spring.