Leek Lancaster F1 - Unwins
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Product Information
Full details
This guide is for home gardeners seeking a reliable and high-yielding leek variety for winter harvests. The Leek Lancaster F1 offers excellent frost hardiness and award-winning quality, with a key caveat being its need for consistent moisture and feeding. Key features include its upright growth, attractive blue-green leaves, good bolt resistance, and suitability for RHS gardens.
All features
| Model Part Number | Leek Lancaster F1 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Unwins |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
When should I sow Leek Lancaster F1 seeds?
Sow seeds from January to April. For best results, start them indoors in trays or in a seedbed.
How do I get long white stems on my leeks?
To achieve long white stems, you need to 'earth up' the plants. As the leeks grow, draw soil up around the base of the stems, gradually covering more of the stalk. This process should be repeated as needed.
What is the best soil condition for growing leeks?
Leeks prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Ensure consistent moisture and provide regular feeding for best results.
Can I grow Leek Lancaster F1 in containers?
While possible, leeks grow best in the ground due to their mature size and need for earthing up. If using containers, choose very large, deep pots and be diligent with watering and feeding.
How close together should I plant Lancaster F1 leeks?
Space plants approximately 20 cm apart in rows that are 30 cm apart.
Is this variety suitable for freezing?
Yes, leeks are generally well-suited for freezing after blanching. This variety's robust nature should lend itself well to preservation.
What does RHS AGM mean?
RHS AGM stands for Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit. It signifies that the plant has been judged to be outstanding for garden use.
Troubleshooting
Seedlings are leggy or weak
Ensure seeds are sown at the correct depth (1 cm) and are receiving adequate warmth (10–15 °C). Overcrowding can also cause this; ensure proper thinning.
Leeks are not forming long white stems
Continue to draw soil up around the base of the plants as they grow. Ensure plants are spaced adequately (20 cm apart).
Poor growth or yellowing leaves
Check soil moisture levels and ensure consistent watering. Leeks benefit from regular feeding; apply a balanced liquid fertilizer as needed.
Bolting (premature flowering)
While Lancaster F1 has good bolt resistance, extreme temperature fluctuations can sometimes trigger bolting. Ensure consistent conditions and timely transplanting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Reliable winter crop with frost hardiness.
- Award-winning quality and good bolt resistance.
- Uniform, heavy yields suitable for many uses.
- Attractive foliage adds visual interest.
- RHS AGM designation indicates proven garden performance.
Cons
- Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Regular feeding is necessary for optimal growth.
- Earthing up (drawing soil around plants) is needed for long white stems.
- Germination requires a warm environment (10–15 °C).
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing: Sow thinly into pre-watered seed trays about 1 cm deep. Maintain a warm environment (10–15 °C) and keep the soil consistently moist. Alternatively, sow thinly into pre-watered soil in a seedbed, keeping rows 30 cm apart.
Transplanting: Once seedlings reach 20 cm tall, plant them into holes 15 cm deep. Space plants 20 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart.
Care: Keep the soil moist at all times and thin seedlings to 20 cm apart if direct-sown. To ensure long white stems, draw soil up around the plants as they develop. Feed regularly throughout the growing season.
Harvesting: Harvest from November to February.
Compatibility: Suitable for RHS gardens and general vegetable cultivation.