Leek Elefant, the hardy, large and deliciously flavoured addition to the vegetable garden. Leek Elefant is a variety known for its robustness and reliability. It is a large, impressive leek with long, thick shafts that have a pleasant, mild taste. What makes this variety special is its suitability for overwintering: during mild winters, the leeks can remain in the ground, allowing you to harvest from autumn through early spring. This makes Elefant not only visually appealing but also a valuable vegetable for the winter kitchen. The growth habit of this leek is strong and sturdy. Its long, thick shafts result in excellent flavor and a firm, attractive product that can be used in many ways in the kitchen. For those who want a long, white shaft, the rule is simple: the more soil you mound up around the stem during growth, the longer and whiter the leek becomes. This process, known as blanching, protects the plant from sunlight and enhances its delicate flavor. In terms of nutritional value, leek is an excellent choice. It provides a good source of vitamin C, iron, and folate, making it a healthy addition to any dish. Its mild, onion-like flavor makes leek suitable for a wide range of preparations: from soups and broths to stews, ragouts, stir-fries, quiches, and oven dishes, as well as salads and sauces. The white part is the most tender, while the green leaves are somewhat tougher but add a lot of flavor, especially in broths or when stewed.
Leek Elefant tolerates cold conditions well. Harvest usually begins in autumn, around October, and can continue until March, depending on the weather. Some gardeners harvest selectively: older plants are harvested earlier to make room for the rest, allowing the remaining leeks to continue growing optimally. However, leeks can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Leek fly, leek moth, rust, and bacterial leaf spot may occur, especially in traditional cultivation. With smart cultivation practices, such as insect netting and crop rotation, these issues can be effectively managed and plants kept healthy. Why choose Leek Elefant? It is more than just a vegetable. It is a winter-hardy, reliable, and flavorful variety that provides your garden with fresh harvests from autumn through early spring. Its long, thick shafts, mild flavor, and versatility in the kitchen make it a favorite among gardeners. Moreover, leeks are relatively easy to grow: fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture are usually sufficient to ensure a rich harvest. Whether grown in open ground or in containers on a balcony, Leek Elefant produces a delicious crop year after year, adding rich flavor to your dishes. In short, Leek Elefant is a vegetable that combines beauty, taste, and winter hardiness. A reliable choice for anyone who enjoys fresh, healthy, and flavorful leeks and appreciates a harvest that lasts throughout the winter. Hardy biennial.
Indoor sowing: February - March
Outdoor sowing: April - May
Germination: 14 - 18 days
Germination temp.: 15½ - 26 °C
Sowing depth: 1 - 1½ cm
Plant distance: 20 cm
Plant position: sunny
Harvest period: October - March
Sow indoors in February - March or outdoors under glass in trays with sowing soil. Cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil. Transplant the seedlings outdoors, when they are about as thick as a pencil. Remove 1/3 from the top side of the seedlings and 1/3 of the roots to stimulate the growth of the seedlings. Put them in a hole 5 cm wide and 10 - 15 cm deep. Keep the seedlings 20 cm apart. Water in the hole to wash the roots. Raise the soil around the white stem of the seedlings to prevent the stems from becoming green.
Sow outdoors from April - May, when then is no longer any danger of nightfrosts. Sow on a sunny plot. When the seedlings are about as thick as a pencil: remove 1/3 from the top side of the seedlings and 1/3 of the roots to stimulate the growth of the seedlings. Put them in a hole 5 cm wide and 10 - 15 cm deep. Keep the seedlings 20 cm apart. Water in the hole to wash the roots. Raise the soil around the white stem of the seedlings to prevent the stems from becoming green. Put soil around the seedlings to cover the roots and lower part of the plants to keep them from colouring green. Don't let any soil come between the foliage.