Grow Leek Chefs White – Succulent White Stems from Autumn into Winter

Leek Chefs White is a reliable, easy-to-grow variety prized for its long, tender white stems and mild, sweet flavour. Perfect for picking from autumn through to winter, this variety is known for its clean, upright growth and strong resistance to bolting. When picked young, it also makes an excellent salad leek, offering a versatile and rewarding addition to any vegetable patch or raised bed.

Whether you’re looking to add homegrown depth to soups, stews, or roast dinners, Chefs White delivers a consistent harvest of crisp, white leeks that stand up well in colder conditions.

Growing Leek Chefs White

This variety grows well in most UK gardens and benefits from a sunny position with fertile, free-draining soil.

Sowing and Planting

• Sowing Period: Sow indoors or under cover from January to March, or sow outdoors from March to April.
• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1 cm deep in modules, trays, or directly into prepared ground.
• Germination: Typically occurs within 14–21 days.
• Transplanting: Once seedlings are about 20 cm tall and pencil-thick, transplant to their final positions in pre-made holes roughly 15 cm deep, spacing 15 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Do not fill the hole with soil—allow rain and watering to do this gradually.

Site and Soil

• Position: Prefers a sunny, sheltered position.
• Soil: Grows best in rich, free-draining soil. Improve heavy soil by adding well-rotted compost. Avoid fresh manure before planting.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Water regularly in dry weather, especially while young or during dry spells.
• Weeding: Keep beds clear of weeds to avoid competition for nutrients.
• Earthing Up: To encourage longer white stems, draw soil up around the base of the plant as it matures.
• Feeding: Apply a general-purpose fertiliser once established if soil quality is low.

Picking

• Timing: Pick from September through to February, depending on sowing time.
• Method: Gently lift from the base using a hand fork, taking care not to damage the stem.
• Storage: Store in a cool shed or refrigerator. Can be left in the ground until needed.

Culinary Uses

Leek Chefs White is ideal for:

• Soups & Broths – Its sweet, mellow flavour shines in winter warmers.
• Roasting or Braising – Perfect when cut into chunks or left whole.
• Stir-Fries & Side Dishes – Young leeks bring freshness and crunch.
• Salads – When picked early, these baby leeks are tender and mild, ideal raw or lightly steamed.

A must-grow for home cooks and gardeners alike, this variety delivers quality, versatility, and great taste throughout the colder months.