Allium porrum

Taxonomy

Genus Allium Family Amaryllidaceae Order Asparagales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
The leek, scientifically known as Allium porrum, is a vegetable and a cultivar of Allium ampeloprasum, which is also the broadleaf wild leek. It is often mistakenly referred to as a stem or stalk, but the edible part of the plant is actually a bundle of leaf sheaths. The leek belongs to the same genus as other popular vegetables like onion, garlic, shallot, scallion, chives, and Chinese onion. Additionally, there are three closely related vegetables, namely elephant garlic, kurrat, and Persian leek or tareh, which are also cultivars of A. ampeloprasum but differ in their culinary uses. The leek is a hardy perennial that is typically grown as an annual vegetable. It has thick, upright blue-green leaves and produces mid-length leeks with an average diameter of 4cm and 10cm of blanched stem. The harvesting time for leeks is usually from January onwards, depending on the sowing time. As a herbaceous biennial, the common leek is primarily cultivated for its edible leaves and roots. Its long leaves are flat and opposite, ranging in color from dark green to yellowish green. The base of the leaves forms a pseudo-stalk, and the buried white portion of the leek is highly valued for its culinary purposes. After a full year of growth, the leek produces greenish-white flowers in umbel groups atop straight floral stems. The European Catalogue of species and varieties lists nearly 190 different varieties of leeks.

How to care for Allium porrum

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Allium porrum, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Lighting

Allium porrum requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Allium porrum will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Allium porrum plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

Allium porrum’s native range is Original habitat is obscure.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Allium Genus

Allium cepa Onion

Allium tuberosum Garlic Chives

Allium acuminatum Hooker's Onion

Allium macropetalum Largeflower Onion

Allium roseum Rosy Garlic

Allium proliferum Beltsville Bunching Onion

Allium ascalonicum Wild Onion

Allium victorialis Alpine Leek

Allium sphaerocephalon Ball Head Onion

Allium microdictyon Victory Onion