Leek Cultivation ; A complete Farming Guide
Leek Cultivation: A Complete Farming Guide
Leek ( Allium Porrum L.) is a non-bulb-forming member of the Amaryllidaceae family and is grown for its blanched stem and leaves. its mild flavor is an alternative to the onion It is biennially planted with a thick, juicy stem that can be eaten raw alone or mixed in salads, and cooked as a flavoring in soups and stews. It is not grown in India on a commercial scale but is a favorite vegetable in a kitchen garden. Leek is believed to be a native of the Mediterranean region.
Nutritive Value of Leek Crop;
The nutritive value of leek in 100 g edible portion is given below:
Component | Values | Component | Values |
Moisture | 78.9 g | Vitamin A | 30 IU |
Carbohydrates | 5 g | Vitamin C | 23 mg |
Fiber | 1.3 g | Thiamine | 0.23 mg |
Fat | 0.1 g | Calcium | 50 mg |
Protein | 1.8 g | Iron | 2.3 mg |
Calories | 77 Kcal | Phosphorus | 70 mg |
Climatic Adaptability for Leek Cultivation
Soil & its Preparation for Leek Cultivation;
Sandy loam and silty loam soils with a pH range between 6.5 to 7 are best suited for the Ieek crop. The land should be prepared thoroughly.
Important Varieties of Leek Crop;
American Flag, Jolant, Kilima, King Richard, Primor.
Derrrick, Electra, Goldina, Goliath, Kilima, Tivi, and Wintereuzen.
Carina, Conqueror (moderate bulbing), Eskimo, and Siberia.
Sowing of Leek Seeds
(a) Sowing time. The seed is sown from the end of September to October in plains, while in hilly areas it should be planted in March – April
(b) Seed rate. The seed rate is 3.0 to 3.5 kg per acre.
(c) Method of sowing. Leek is grown either by direct seeding or transplanting the seedlings. Direct seedling resulted in a higher total yield and was considerably cheaper. For both methods, the earlier sowing date produced considerably higher yields and larger plants. Seedlings are transplanted at a spacing of 30 x 30 cm.
Manuring;
Apply 50 to 60 Q. of well-rotted FYM along with 34 kg nitrogen, 14 kg phosphoric acid, and 40 kg potassium per acre.
Intercultural operation
Weeding and blanching is an important operation of lock cultivation. The quality of the leaf base can be improved by blanching, which should be started only after the plants are well grown. The plants are blanched by earthing them up with soil.
Irrigation
Irrigation should be given as and when needed. Overhead sprinkler irrigation is good for the leek.