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Root vegetables · Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum 'King Richard'

King Richard Leek

King Richard Leek: 75-85 days to harvest, 10-14 days to germinate, 4-6 inches between plants, pH 6.0-7.0, hardy in zones 5-10. Fruit runs to about 8-12 inches long, 1-1.5 inches diameter. Give it full sun (6+ hours) and 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture water. It will crop in a container. Because this is a hybrid, seed saved from it will not repeat the parent — plan on fresh seed each year.

Root vegetables
75-85days to harvest
10-14days to germinate
Z5–10USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Transplant when pencil-thick. Hill soil around stems to blanch.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained loam with high organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
4-6 inches
Height
3-4 feet
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
White shanks with blue-green leaves
Size
8-12 inches long, 1-1.5 inches diameter
Shape
Long cylindrical shanks with fan-shaped leaves
Flavour
Mild, sweet onion flavor with subtle garlic notes

In the kitchen

Soups, stews, braising, grilling, potato leek soup, quiche, stir-fries

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Onion maggot, thrips, leek moth
Diseases
White rot, downy mildew, purple blotch
Resistance
Good resistance to rust and downy mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyAugust – September
2——May – JulyAugust – September
3——May – JuneJuly – October
4——April – JuneJuly – October
5——April – MayJuly – November
6——April – MayJune – November
7——March – MayJune – November
8——March – AprilMay – December
9——February – MarchApril – December
10——January – MarchApril – December
11——January – FebruaryMarch – December
12——January – FebruaryMarch – December
13——January – FebruaryMarch – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

CarrotsComplementary root depths and carrot rust fly is repelled by leek scent
TomatoesLeeks repel aphids and whiteflies that commonly attack tomatoes
CabbageLeeks deter cabbage worms and root maggots from brassicas
LettuceShallow roots complement deep leek roots, efficient space usage
CeleryBoth prefer cool, moist conditions and have compatible growing requirements
OnionsSimilar allium family benefits, both repel many common garden pests
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete for nutrients
SpinachCool season crop with shallow roots that complement leek growth pattern

Avoid

BeansNitrogen fixation can cause excessive leaf growth at expense of bulb development
PeasHeavy nitrogen production leads to weak, overly leafy leek growth
AsparagusCompetes for similar soil nutrients and both are heavy feeders

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
61
Protein (g)
1.5
Fat (g)
0.3
Carbohydrate (g)
14.2
Fibre (g)
1.8
Sugars (g)
3.9
Vitamin A (µg)
83
Vitamin C (mg)
12
Vitamin E (mg)
0.92
Vitamin K (µg)
47
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.233
Folate (µg)
64
Calcium (mg)
59
Iron (mg)
2.1
Magnesium (mg)
28
Phosphorus (mg)
35
Potassium (mg)
180
Zinc (mg)
0.12
Selenium (µg)
1
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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the root vegetables growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Grown King Richard Leek?

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Similar varieties

Other root vegetables with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits King Richard Leek suits these too.

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