Leek - Elefant This is a hardy and reliable variety, producing long, thick, tasty shanks. It is a good over-winter variety with excellent flavour. The more soil that is drawn up around the plant, the longer the white shank will be. Good source of vitamin C, iron and folate. Sow outdoors thinly from March to April, in a seed bed, 1.5cm 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 apart, into 15cm deep holes made with a dibber. Allow 30cm between rows. Water seedlings, but do not fill holes with soil. Or sow indoors, from January to February, 0.5cm deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Keep moist. Transplant 5cm apart to other trays, when large enough to handle. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions before planting out, from May to July, into well-cultivated, fertile soil. Harvest from October to March.
