leek 'Below Zero'

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A vigorous, cold tolerant leek with white stems and dark leaves to a height of 45cm, stands well over a long period without bolting. Tolerates extreme cold well and is resistant to rust. Leeks are herbaceous perennials usually grown as annual vegetables, with upright stems which can be blanched white, and green or blue-green leaves about 30-50cm long; plants may flower by bolting in their first year, or the following year if left overwinter, with stems up to 1.5m high topped by rounded flowerheads 5-9cm across of hundreds of star-like pale pink to white flowers which are visited by bees, in summer.

Scientific classification

Species: leek 'Below Zero' (Allium porrum 'Below Zero')
Genus: Allium
Family: Amaryllidaceae

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Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial · Herbs - Culinary
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

leek 'Below Zero' pictures

Distribution of leek 'Below Zero'

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of leek 'Below Zero'

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leek 'Below Zero' care guide

Water moderately in growth, keep drier after flowering
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water moderately in growth, keep drier after flowering

Fertilizing

Light bulb feed in spring before flowering

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Growing

Sow seed, under cover in late winter or early spring or outside in late spring, about 1cm deep in moist but well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, preferably in full sun though they will tolerate partial shade; thin seedlings to 15cm apart, or, to get the classic white stems, lift and re-plant seedlings from spring to early summer in holes 15cm deep at 15cm spacings, and harvest from late summer or early autumn to winter; for more advice, see leeks cultivation

More growing and care information →

Common pests and diseases

Diseases

May be susceptible to leek rust, onion white rot, downy mildews, foot and root rots, fungal leaf spots, and smuts; Below Zero is said to be resistant to rust