I harvested one leek today at 1" in diameter, but about more than 3 feet in height.

Honestly, I don't know why I grow leeks - they are a bit of trouble,all the way from starting them in the house in late February to putting tubes around them etc. etc. And yet I can't stop myself. They are not even strong tasting. Mix them up with a few vegetables in a soup and you can't even tell they are there. But I love their beauty.

I can't say how frost tolerant they are, this is my first time and I didn't do any research. Here is some info from reviews at the seed seller, rareseeds:

http://www.rareseeds.com/bulgarian-giant-leek/?F_Keyword=bulgarian%20giant%20leek

I don't know if you can plant the seeds directly into the garden in Zone 8 or if you have to start them in the house. In any case, I hope you succeed. These are far more interesting to look at than any leek I've ever grown, and I've grown quite a few varieties.

I would certainly seed them inside and transplant. I'd seed in September, when it is MUCH too hot to assure at least onion germination outside, and put them out end of October or thereabouts.

I understand that maturation is kind of slow. How long do they take for you? I'd like them out and gone by March.

For me out here in Zone 3 (long, long days & mostly hot, too), leeks are usually ready at 5.5 months from date of sowing the seed. The way my Bulgarians are proceeding, that will probably be the case, as well.

Also, I am wondering if your seedlings will be ready to place in the soil in October, if you are only starting them in September. They will be barely visible, if my own experience is anything to go by. Mind you, starting onions or leeks in the house in Manitoba in Feb/March is not the same as starting them where you live! I start them in a little heated dome, but still they are mighty slow.

Hmmm. Kind of night-and-day with regard to temperature conditions. My garage stays at about 80F during the day in September, so I would think that the plants would be transplantable a month later.

What defines "ready" for leeks? Green on top, white below, that's not going to change much, and we aren't waiting for anything to bulb.

Yes. You can start using leeks from pencil thickness. Cold in vinaigrette at that size...

Pencil thickness? Well, technically speaking, they would be usable - but, gosh, they are so much trouble to grow (at least for me) that I would want more bang for my buck. :)

I think the point is that they are usable whenever you want to harvest them. That works for me.

I cannot disagree!