Struggling with Leeks

takhana

This year I'm trying Leek - Tornado. I am really finding them hard - they've sprouted little wispy shoots, that are about 3 inches high, but incredibly thin, almost like chive starters are. And nothing else. Those shoots came around 5 weeks ago when I planted them, since then they don't seem to have put any more bulk or growth in height on. No obvious signs of roots from the underneath of the pot. I'm not really sure what I'm doing wrong with them - are they too warm? Currently in my greenhouse but were being kept inside up until last weekend. I had similar last year but they were kept in the cold frame until I eventually got fed up and chucked them out. They're certainly not substantial enough to put in the ground. 

Wilderbeast

Leeks are very slow in growing, so long as they are kept watered they will be fine. Lots of people split them and plant out in final position much later in the year. 

takhana

Wilderbeast said:

Leeks are very slow in growing, so long as they are kept watered they will be fine. Lots of people split them and plant out in final position much later in the year. 

Thank you! In terms of pot size, mine aren't in a very big pot at all (one of the little 760mm ones). It looks like it's appropriate at present, should I change that a bit later in the season?

bertrand-mabel

I sowed leek seeds indoors and whilst they looked very thin I planted them out last month and they are doing very well. However we have had to keep the watering up as we have had (until tonight) very little rain.

war garden 572

have you tried calling a plumber.

takhana

bertrand-mabel said:

I sowed leek seeds indoors and whilst they looked very thin I planted them out last month and they are doing very well. However we have had to keep the watering up as we have had (until tonight) very little rain.

Thanks! Mine are really tiny though. I will try and find the courage to try planting a few out this weekend

war garden 572 said:

have you tried calling a plumber.

Haha, I might have to!

alexryzawlskiqBU-X4OF

Off the subject I saw monty don growing leeks by sowing them in a module with 3 to 4 plants in each. Then plant them out in the clump. They won't grow to huge leeks but you can enjoy them earlier in the season for harvesting leeks when they're young.