Leek carentan seed

Description

Botanical Name: Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
Variety Name: Carentan
Common Names: Leek Carentan, Summer leek, Winter leek
Seed Type: Open-pollinated / Heirloom
Growth Habit: Biennial (grown as an annual)
Days to Maturity: 120–150 days
Plant Height: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches)
Climate: Cool-season crop; prefers mild temperatures

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🌱 Overview:

The Leek ‘Carentan’ is a traditional French heirloom variety known for its thick, long white stems and mild, sweet onion-like flavor. This variety is prized for its tender texture and is considered one of the best leeks for winter harvest due to its cold tolerance and ability to store well after harvest.

Carentan leeks grow upright with a robust structure, making them suitable for kitchen gardens and larger-scale production. They can be harvested from late summer through winter, providing a long season of fresh leeks for soups, stews, and various culinary uses.

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🌿 Plant Characteristics:

• Stem: Thick, cylindrical, and long with a clean white shaft

• Leaves: Dark green, flat, and broad

• Flavor: Mild, sweet, and less pungent than onions

• Growth Habit: Upright, strong stems with good resistance to bolting

• Hardiness: Cold-tolerant, suitable for overwintering in mild climates

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🧑‍🌾 Growing Information:

• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter

• pH Range: 6.0–7.0

• Sowing Depth: 1 cm (about 1/2 inch)

• Spacing: 15 cm (6 inches) between plants; 30 cm (12 inches) between rows

• Germination Time: 10–14 days at 18–21°C (65–70°F)

• Planting Time: Early spring indoors or direct sow in late winter in mild climates

• Watering: Regular moisture, avoid waterlogging

• Fertilization: Requires nitrogen-rich soil for good stem development

• Blanching: Hill soil around stems as they grow to blanch the white shaft for tenderness

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🍽️ Culinary Uses:

• Used in soups, stews, and stocks

• Sautéed or braised as a side dish

• Included in quiches, pies, and casseroles

• Adds subtle onion flavor without overpowering dishes

• Can be eaten raw in salads when young and tender

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💪 Nutritional Benefits:

• Low in calories, high in fiber

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K

• Contains minerals like manganese and iron

• Supports digestion and has antioxidant properties

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🌍 Cultural & Agricultural Importance:

• A classic staple in French and European cooking

• Popular for winter harvest and storage

• Often used in crop rotation to improve soil health

• Can be grown in home gardens and commercial farms