Vegetables with Edible Bulbs 147 



LEEK 



The leek is very tolerant of differences of temperature. 

 Like some other biennials, it is fitted to endure both the 

 heat of summer and the cold of winter. Hence it may be 

 grown with success as far north as Scotland and as far 

 south as the outer tropics. When large and blanched it 

 retains but little of the strong onion flavor, and has even 

 attained the position of a national vegetable in Wales. 

 The leek is not so popular as the onion, because it cannot 

 be stored like onion bulbs, but for a vegetable-garden in 

 temperate regions during the summer, or in subtropical 

 and tropical countries during the cool season it is well 

 worth growing. The allyl sulfide found in the onion and 

 leek is a nerve stimulant. Leeks are cooked in the same 

 way as onions, and the leaves are often stewed along with 

 the blanched lower part of the plant. Leeks have been 

 grown well in Florida, the West Indies, and India. 



Leek has not been grown in the southern United States 

 for distant markets, though it stands shipping well. There 

 has not been a demand for it excepting at the season when 

 the northern markets supplied it. If it is known that a 

 certain vegetable is not in the market, persons will not 

 demand it, but as soon as it is available, there will be a 

 market for it. 



During September, or early in October, a bed should be 

 prepared to receive the seed. Care should be exercised 

 not to allow the soil to become dry, as the seed may fail 

 under such treatment. The weeds should be kept down 

 and if the days become unusually warm, the seedlings 

 shaded. When the plants are about 6 inches high, they 



