Leek Fantic [allium porrum]

The Leek Fantic is a biennial cultivated onion and medicinal plant. It descends from field garlic [allium ampeloprasum], which is native to the Mediterranean region, where it was known and used more than 2000 years before our era. This variety grows evenly, is hardy and is a less susceptible variety with dark green foliage and good peelability. The taste is full-bodied and strong.

General information
Plant family: Amaryllidaceae
Lifecycle: Biennial
Days until harvest: 50 days
Plant hight approx: 60 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: until -10°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, moist, nutrient rich, humus rich

pH value: 6 to 7.5

Information on sowing and planting
Germ type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Best germination temperature: 10-15°C
Germination time: 5-10 days
Plant-, row distance: 10x40 cm

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

Planting information
In areas with mild winters, leeks are sown in autumn when temperatures drop by 20-25°C, from September to October. In more northerly cooler areas, sow at identical temperatures in spring from April to June.
Usually leeks are sown in rows, like radishes. In order to use the potential of each individual plant, we recommend pre-cultivation in small boxes with subsequent pricking out or letting them grow in the breeding boxes. The plants are ready to plant when they have reached a height of 20cm. As a tip, if plants are preferred without pricking out, the plants are shortened by 1/3 at the roots and the tips of the leaves before planting out, this stimulates the growth of the plants. Then plant as usual at plant spacing.
This variety prefers a sunny location with sufficient water and nutritious, humus-rich soil.
For a longer harvest period, care should be taken not to injure the heart when harvesting. Leeks prefer cooler and humid climates.

Other names
Latin botanical names: allium porrum
English names: Leek 
German names: Lauch, Porree
Portuguese names: Alho-poró
Spanish names: Puerro
French names: Poireau

Ingredients
Leeks contain vitamin C, vitamin K and folic acid as well as the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium and the trace elements iron and manganese. Leeks also contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E as well as various minerals, including potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, iodine and zinc. Leeks are high in fiber but low in fat and carbohydrates. Due to its vitamin B and C content and the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphate, potassium and silicon, leeks have a diuretic, laxative and antiseptic effect.

Potent germination capacity: 2-3 years