Growing leek seedlings and care at home

Choosing a leek variety

When purchasing seeds, you should first pay attention to the ripening period of the plant.

Early ripening varieties

For those who want to get an early onion harvest, you should pay attention to the following varieties. The first is Columbus. This is an ultra-early species from Holland, which is distinguished by its strength and high resistance to low air temperatures.

It grows up to 80 cm in length. 85 days after planting it is already possible to eat.

Columbus leek

The second excellent onion variety is Vesta. It is characterized by a long stem, growing up to 50 cm. It is worth saying that the variety was bred quite a long time ago, but is still in demand.

It has a spicy sweet-spicy taste. This type of onion tolerates cold weather well and rarely gets sick. From one square meter you can collect up to 5 kg. Ripening occurs 4 months after planting.

Mid-season varieties

Among the mid-season varieties of leeks, “Elephant” can be distinguished. Ripens in 4.5 months, grows up to 50 cm in height. Not particularly whimsical:

• no need for high humidity;
• not afraid of low air temperatures;
• does not require constant hilling.

The Elephant leek tastes spicy.
The stems are dense and quite juicy. A mid-season variety such as “Cazimir” is also suitable for growing leek seedlings at home. It is characterized by high productivity, dense stems that grow up to 30 cm.

This species loves moisture and fertilizers.

Late ripening varieties

You can safely choose “Alligator” from their later varieties. It is grown both for its greens and fruits. It has an interesting taste with garlic notes. The plant has a large stem, which reaches a height of 30 cm. From one square meter you can collect 3.5 kg.

A variety such as “Bandit” is also good. It is characterized by a short stem; it is rarely possible to grow up to 30 cm. This can be achieved by carefully hilling the onion and using mulch. The greenery is very beautiful, with a bluish-green hue.

Leek Bandit

Description of the variety

Externally, potatoes look like an exotic fruit, but the taste is slightly different from the potatoes we are used to. The fruit takes a long time to cook, around 40 minutes. It has a very crumbly structure. Potato bushes have an erect stem, emerald rough leaves of an elongated shape, the height reaches 40-80 cm. The pulp of the root crop is snow-white-amber. Potatoes can be stored under favorable conditions for up to several years.

Let's find out whether this potato variety is GMO or not? No one can give an exact answer, since some agronomists believe that the factor of high yield in any conditions, as well as greater resistance to the effects of pests and diseases on potatoes, are signs of a GMO product. There is also an opinion that Kiwi potatoes were the result of crossing, and useful traits were acquired by the original varieties. This statement is more plausible, since in order to breed GMO plants, the latest equipment is needed. And this is done in laboratories. So there is no need to doubt the naturalness of this variety.

Pros and cons of sowing onions for seedlings

If someone wants to grow onions through seedlings, it is worth considering all the pros and cons of this method. Among the advantages are the following:

• the opportunity to collect some harvest at home;
• you can use any growing containers;
• no special skills are required for planting and care.

Among the disadvantages, they note the need to prepare the seeds before sowing, that is, soaking in water and in a disinfecting, growth-stimulating solution

Another disadvantage is that you will have to wait longer for a full harvest. Only in the second year will the onion acquire the necessary qualities.

Why is it better to grow leeks through seedlings?

Standard onion growing involves a 3-year cycle in which seeds are first sown into sets, then sets into full bulbs, and finally seeds are harvested from larger bulbs. But the cycle can be significantly shortened if we exclude the stage of obtaining and storing the seeds. For this, the method of growing through seedlings is used, when large bulbs are immediately formed, and at the same time bolting is reduced.

Advantages of growing leeks through seedlings:

• quick harvest, part of which can be harvested at home;
• simple sowing and care that even an inexperienced summer resident can handle;
• the possibility of annual harvesting in unfavorable climatic conditions.

When to sow?

The growing season of the crop lasts about 200-210 days, depending on the variety. The period is counted from the day of planting. As a standard, gardeners advise sowing leek seeds for seedlings in the last days of March, then they can be sent to a permanent place in early May.

If the climate in the region is harsh, then it is better to sow seedlings in April, and plant them in open ground only in the second half of June.

If you need to get greens only by autumn, then you can sow in February-March, then transplant into a greenhouse

When to plant seedlings in open ground

Leek seedlings at the age of 50-60 days are planted in open ground. Before planting, leek seedlings are watered abundantly. During the planting process, the stems and leaves are trimmed by 1/3. Plant seedlings in the evening or in cloudy weather.

Soil for leeks

The area for leeks should be sunny, as far away from bushes and trees as possible. The soil for planting leeks is prepared in the fall by adding a bucket of humus, 1 teaspoon of urea and 2 tablespoons of nitrophoska per m2 of land. After which the area is dug up. Use liming on soils that are too acidic.

With the onset of spring, add 3 kg of humus or compost per m2 of land; there is no need to dig it up. Fertilizers will get into the soil when planting seedlings and watering leeks.

When to plant leeks in open ground

In the process of growing seedlings, they are hardened at 6-7 weeks, taking them out into the open air for some time. In the area for planting seedlings, make grooves 10-15 cm deep and 20-30 cm apart. Seedlings are planted in furrows at a distance of 10-20 cm from each other, it all depends on the variety.

Leek seedlings are lightly sprinkled with soil and watered abundantly so that there is no air left around the root system.

Rules for sowing onions for seedlings

To get healthy and strong seedlings, you need to be well prepared for sowing and carry out this process correctly. There is nothing complicated about this, you just need to strictly follow the recommendations.

Seed preparation

Leek seeds
Before planting, the seed must be prepared in order to increase its resistance to infection by pathogenic microorganisms and increase germination.

The process involves two simple steps:

1. Place the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 2-3 hours.
2. Rinse the material, then soak it in warm water for a day.

Then wet the napkin and place the seeds on it, covering the top with a damp cloth as well.

Leave for 7 days to hatch, then start sowing.

Soil preparation

You can not make any effort at all, but simply purchase ready-made soil in the store. If you want to make it yourself, then you need to know that leeks do not tolerate heavy, dense soil, especially with the presence of a large amount of clay.

Gardeners advise preparing the basis for seedlings from:

• 40% turf soil;
• 30% river sand;
• 30% peat.

You can also add some useful additives here, for example, ground egg shells, ash, rotted sawdust

Selection of capacity

Onion seedlings have a negative attitude towards transplantation, so it is problematic to remove them from the boxes to send them to open ground. For this reason, you should choose containers that can be planted in the ground along with the plants.

The best options are cups made of peat or cardboard, as well as peat tablets. They are good not only because they make picking easier, but also because they contain substances useful for crops that improve the growth and development of seedlings.

Peat cups for seedlings

Proper sowing

Planting seeds is simple and quick. Place the seeds in prepared containers with soil, deepening them 1.5-2 cm. Then be sure to water using settled warm water.

Send containers to a place protected from direct sunlight. Cover the top with film to create a greenhouse effect, which is maintained until the first sprouts appear.

Sowing instructions

Sowing leeks is easy. Perform the following steps consistently and carefully:

• Fill the container with substrate.
• Moisten it with settled water.
• Make holes 1 cm deep in the center of the cassettes, throw a seed there. If containers are selected, the distance between the seeds should be about 4 cm. To prevent problems with germination, you can throw 2 seeds. If both sprout, carefully remove the weaker and more painful one.
• Sprinkle the seeds with a thin layer of substrate.
• Spray the surface with a spray bottle.
• Cover the container with plastic wrap or glass. Place in the shade and warmth.

After pecking the sprouts, the polyethylene covering can be removed, and the container should be moved to a cool place. The daytime room temperature should be +15–18 °C, the night temperature should be +10–12 °C. After a week, the seedlings should be moved to a place where the daytime temperature is +18–20 °C, and the night temperature is +12–15 °C. In warmer conditions, seedlings cannot be kept unless you want the leeks to start bolting.

Seedling care

It’s not enough to just plant seeds; you also need to care for the growing seedlings.

Watering rules

Onions love water, but in moderation. The soil must always be kept moist and watered when dry. But try to avoid situations where the soil remains too dry for a long time or, conversely, too moist.

If you overwater the seedlings, their root system will simply rot.

Temperature and light

When the first shoots appear, it is important to maintain the air temperature within +15-17 degrees during the daytime and +12 degrees at night. After about 7-10 days, you should set the same temperature regime - +18-20 degrees.

If you make it warmer, arrows will begin to form!

Lighting is also important for onion seedlings.

Daylight hours should last at least 10 hours. If natural light is not enough, you should use lamps

Picking and trimming leaves

Onions do not tolerate picking well, so it is best to avoid it. This is easy to do - sow the seeds in containers, which can then be planted in a permanent place right along with the plants. This will prevent damage to the root system.

Trimming onion feathers is a mandatory procedure. It helps to activate the growth and development of powerful roots and the formation of a thick stem.

You need to trim so that about 10 cm remains.

And just before planting in open ground, it is recommended to pinch the tops by about a quarter.

Fertilizer

Gardeners recommend fertilizing for the first time 2 weeks after the first shoots appear. Fertilize again a week before transplanting to a permanent place.

It is effective to feed onions with a solution based on bird droppings. To prepare it, you need to fill the raw material with warm water in a ratio of 1:20. When using it, it is important to pour it directly under the root, not to get it on the leaves of the plants!

Humus of bird droppings

How to grow leek seeds

In order not to buy seeds for next year, you can collect planting material yourself . To do this, you need to leave a few bulbs in the ground. After wintering, the plant will shoot and begin to bloom. After flowering, seed pods are formed that will produce seeds.

If this option is not suitable, use the following recommendations:

1. In the spring, bury the best bulbs in the greenhouse.
2. Once the plants produce feathers, do not trim them.
3. The bow will shoot arrows on which seed pods will form.

Take note:

How to make pickled leeks

How to cook leek soup correctly

Possible problems

Leeks are quite resistant to diseases and pest attacks, but there is always a risk of encountering these problems.

Diseases

Among the diseases that can affect seedlings are the following:

1. Powdery mildew. Occurs due to constant waterlogging of the soil. The leaves are covered with white spots. The plant begins to shed the affected feathers. If the pathology has not gone too far, you can fight it with the help of special store-bought solutions, for example, Fitosporin, spraying the crop with them. If dew has affected the plant almost completely, then it is better to destroy it completely.
2. Rust. It appears as brown spots, which later turn into pads with spores. Diseased leaves must be removed, and then the seedlings are treated with any fungicidal agent.
3. Downy mildew. When it occurs, the tips of onion leaves die off, and in neglected form the plant dies completely. Diseased feathers are removed, and healthy ones are sprayed with Fitosporin.
4. Onion mosaic. It is characterized by a change in the appearance of the leaves of the seedlings: they become flat, corrugated, and spots of different shapes and light shades appear on the surface. The disease cannot be treated, so the affected feathers are destroyed.

Onion rust To prevent the occurrence of diseases, you need to monitor the level of humidity, temperature, and not get too carried away with fertilizers.

It is also important to regularly check seedlings for suspicious changes in order to promptly identify diseases and prevent their spread.

Harmful insects

The most common pest is the onion fly. Its larvae are capable of destroying seedlings in a short time. But, fortunately, preventing its occurrence is very simple. It is enough to place containers with onions and carrots next door. These flies do not like the smell that carrot tops emit.

Seedlings can also be attacked by tobacco thrips. They fight it with the help of special drugs

Another harmful insect is the rattleworm, which makes holes in onion leaves, which subsequently leads to their drying out and death. They are also dealt with by treating them with special means.

Diseases and pests

Leeks are often affected by the following types of diseases:

• Onion fly;
• Black mold;
• Onion rust;
• Cervical rot;
• Downy mildew.

Growing a healthy and mature plant from seedlings is not easy. Because it is necessary to constantly maintain a certain temperature regime and water the sprouts on time. Neglecting these rules can lead to the development of diseases in the plant.

The best way to prevent illness is timely and constant care. Another precaution: storing seeds. It is recommended to plant seeds in the ground that have been lying around for 2-3 years before sowing. During this time, all viruses and microbes that could have infected the seeds will die.

Onion fly

The 5-6 mm long insect is very similar to the common fly. It is dangerous because it lays its larvae in the soil. The first sign that a plant has become a victim of an insect is the wilting of the leaves. You can get rid of the pest using a saline solution, which is diluted in a ratio of 350 grams per 10 liters of water. It is recommended to soak the seeds briefly in the resulting liquid.

Onion rust

Volumetric pad spots on the leaves of the plant indicate infection with onion rust. This disease can be controlled by treating onion feathers with a fungicide solution. Infected leaves must be removed.

Powdery mildew

If the color of the plant changes from green to gray, with a whitish tint, and the tip becomes dry and dies, this all indicates a powdery mildew infection. The affected leaves of the plant must be removed, the rest should be treated with anti-virus drugs, for example Fitosporin or copper oxychloride.

Light and humidity for a rich harvest

Many gardeners, when growing leeks, are faced with the fact that almost all varieties are rather finicky plants to care for. Its basis is considered to be two important processes: maintaining soil moisture and good lighting.

Despite the fact that some hybrids are quite cold-resistant during the active period of their life, especially when the plant is still very young, sharp gusts of cold wind can be destructive for a rich harvest. The optimal temperature for good onion development is from 18 to 25 degrees during the daytime and from 10 to 15 at night.

The soil should always be loose and moderately moist. Weeds can take away the vitality of a leek, but it is very difficult to avoid their appearance. You need to monitor them and constantly clean them. Hilling and mulching leeks is the basis for the formation of a long white stem, so this is as important as timely watering.

You can feed with mineral and organic fertilizers several times throughout the season. Seedlings are fertilized twice during the entire period of their formation. To do this, use a solution of potassium chloride (20 grams per 40 grams of superphosphate). The first feeding after transplanting into open ground should be done within a month. It is important to use special onion mixtures for this. After 21 days, you can add a solution of mullein or chicken droppings; some use it to spray the plant.

The development of leeks in the first year of life proceeds very slowly than during the period of seed formation; it is considered a good “neighbor” for fast-growing vegetables such as onions, carrots, parsley and others. This “neighborhood” prevents the soil from stagnating, and at the same time helps to avoid large distances between seedlings. While the leek is developing, the carrots are already ripening, we harvest them, thereby freeing up space for the further development of the onion. Many gardeners resort to such a “companionship” of plants in order to reduce the area for planting and obtain an aesthetic appearance of the site.

Common mistakes

Often, new gardeners do not pay enough attention to the soil in which they are going to grow seedlings.

If seeds are sown in a purchased substrate, the risk of various diseases and insect pests is significantly reduced.

If the substrate is prepared independently, then you should not neglect its preparation; it must be disinfected.

Improper watering is another common maintenance mistake among beginners. It is recommended to water the plant with warm water using a spray bottle. Watering from a watering can disturbs the top layer of soil and can damage the delicate root system of young seedlings.

Gardening tips and tricks for growing and caring for

The soil substrate, or rather its composition, plays a big role in growing seedlings. Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend that beginners buy substrate in specialized stores.

Before emergence, this type of onion is not particularly demanding on lighting, and containers with crops can even be located in shaded areas. As soon as sprouts begin to appear, care changes. The containers need to be moved to a bright place, since a lack of lighting can harm the future harvest.

Harvesting and storage of crops

After harvesting, a logical question arises about how to store leeks in winter and under what conditions they will delight with their exotic taste out of season. There are several ways. The simplest is to place onions in wooden boxes in the underground or vegetable storage after digging and clearing the soil. It is worth paying attention to the fact that you need to avoid getting particles of earth into the space between the leaves, which are partially cut off, like the rhizome (leave about 2 cm).

You can also store leeks in the refrigerator. Green tops with deformation and grayed, withered leaves must be removed before harvesting the crop for storage before winter. Old fibers, when cooled, can upset the balance of the entire plant organism. Among the withered tops there may be a diseased leaf that can infect the entire onion when a small amount of condensation appears. It is better to store leeks in the refrigerator in vacuum plastic bags, tightly closed boxes of 5-7 pieces. The optimal storage temperature ranges from -1 to +1 degrees. If the leek is not cooled before storage, condensation may form, which will become a favorable environment for the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Some people store leeks on the balcony until frost. After the temperature drops below -5 degrees, it freezes, although it does not lose its taste and beneficial properties.