Leek 'Fantic' - Allium porrum

The biennial leek 'Fantic' is a winter leek that grows evenly, is hardy and healthy, with dark green leaves and easy to peel. The taste is full-bodied and strong. Resistant to typical diseases. Ideal for pre-cultivation, pot culture possible, sowing spring-summer-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
The leek 'Fantic' is a biennial onion and medicinal plant. It is descended from the field garlic [Allium ampeloprasum], which is native to the Mediterranean region and was known and used there more than 2000 years before our era. This variety grows evenly, is hardy and resistant to typical diseases, with dark green foliage and easy to peel. The taste is full-bodied and strong.

 General information 
Plant family: Amaryllidaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 50 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -10°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 10-15 °C
Germination time: 5-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 10x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Endive, Strawberry, Chamomile, Carrot, Cabbage, Parsley, Lettuce, Celery, Salsify, Tomato, Garlic
Unfavorable mixed culture: Bean, Pea, Kale, Beetroot, Chives

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing or pre-cultivation from February to April or in autumn from September to November. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing or pre-cultivation from mid-May to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
We recommend direct sowing in rows with the specified planting distance or pre-cultivation in small bowls or sowing directly in seed trays. For pre-cultivation, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow to a height of around 20 cm and stable stems. To stimulate growth, then place the plants with the bulb at the same height and trim the plants by 1/3 at the roots and leaf tips shortly before planting. Then plant directly at the specified planting distance. Or sow around 5 seeds together directly in small pots or seed trays and plant them directly in the prepared bed when the root ball has sufficiently developed.
Leek 'Fantic' prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
For a longer harvest time, care should be taken not to damage the heart when harvesting. This type of leek also thrives in warmer climates. In order to get longer, thicker white stems, regular mounding is necessary. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
A loose, nutrient-rich and moist soil is basically sufficient. Fertilization is not necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Allium porrum
English names: Leek
German names: Lauch, Porree
Portuguese names: Alho-poró
Spanish names: Puerro
French names: Poireau

 Origin 
Country: Portugal