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Leeks 'budding' -- what to do?

16 years ago

I love leeks. Grew some first time last year, consumed many in soup and quiches, and let some overwinter, which they did successfully. I have been harvesting a few selectively.

Now a few of them are forming buds on long stems ("scapes"?).

Questions:

Does this mean it is time to harvest all?

If I let the buds flower, will this end the growth cycle or cause poor flavor?

Are the flowers or buds edible?

Please advise.

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Comments (2)

wolverine1012
16 years ago
Unfortunately, once a plant starts to develop seeds, it is past its prime for culinary use. We likewise let some leeks overwinter but dug them soon after they began growing again this spring. We did let two develop seed heads as we wanted to gather the seed and try to propogate from those seeds next year.
cyrus_gardner
16 years ago
You can cut the scapes while still tender and use them just like leeks.
Also, let a few to go for flower/seeds. Leeks' flowers are very pretty and
you can let them mature and then collect your own seeds. That is what I am doing.
You can leave the ones you cut the scapes off and pull them in two to three weeks.
They will have a garlic like bulb, but very SWEET, WITHOUT GARLIC SMELL.
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