Autumn planting of leeks?

[Robert_Brenchley]

I was just looking through Thomas Etty's catalogue, and I was struck by this:

Long Winter (Poireau Long d'Hiver). By 1873 "Société d'horticulture et de viticulture d'Epernay." "This variety withstands the winter well & is particularly suitable for planting in Autumn."

I assume they'd have been planted in the autumn for harvest the following year, but does anyone know more?

[Robert_Brenchley]

[dtw]

I would assume they would act similar to overwintered onions, just being harvested earlier.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I'm not sure about harvesting earlier; the onions are different varieties bred for early ripening. It might be a way of growing bigger leeks, though. I may try it next year.