Mr Fothergills Leek Musselburgh

Very hardy and reliable, especially in colder regions. This Victorian variety is still a great favourite, producing leeks with thick, rather than short stems of very good flavour. A mid-season variety.

Leeks provide a crop from summer through to spring. They are a good source of folate. Can be sown direct in the garden or started indoors.

Outdoors: sow thinly March-April, in a seed bed, 1.5cm (½") deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-cultivated, fertile soil, which has already been watered. Seedlings usually appear in 14-28 days. Water well until plants are established. Transplant, 15cm (6") apart, into 15cm (6") deep holes made with a dibber. Allow 30cm (1') between rows. Water seedlings, but do not fill holes with soil. Or sow indoors, January-February, 0.5cm (¼") deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Keep moist. Transplant 5cm (2") apart to other trays, when large enough to handle. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts) before planting out, May-July, into well-cultivated, fertile soil. Harvest: October-March.