Babbington leeks

[fi]

I have planted some babbington leek sets. Never grown this before, any tips on what to harvest and when?

[fi]

[goodlife]

Any green growth you can use as 'normal' leeks, but as soon as the flower heads are starting show leave the harvesting and let it flower. On these flower heads develop the new 'sets' that you can then use like 'mini onions' or plant them and multiply your stock ;)

[jennym]

Not heard of these Babbington leeks, are they really a leek? heard something on Gardeners question time yesterday but couldn't really listen to it, would be obliged if someone could explain.

[goodlife]

Yes they are 'real'  but it is a variety of wild leek.
They don't grow as tall and thick as 'normal' cultivated ones but perfectly edible.
There was a time when these sort of leeks were the 'normal' ones.. long time ago.. ;D
Babbington and other wild leeks are usually grown from little bulbils not from seeds..some of them don't even produce seeds or very rearly...unlike cultivated leeks they are started with seeds.
Depending of the variety of the wild leek some produce these little bulbils (sets) on top of the flower stem (babingtons does this) and others under ground amonst the original bulb.

[jennym]

Thank you for the info  :)

[Vinlander]

All leeks will produce bulbils from the flower head if you trim off the 'proper' flower buds. Some varieties, some individuals will produce both unaided.