Leeks - to trim or not?

Collareddove

I was VERY late transplanting leeks this year (just a week ago).  I had originally decided not to plant leeks at all, then saw a tray for sale in the nursery/garden centre and thought I would give them a go. Not sure they will ever come to anything.  I would usually trim the tops when I transplant them but wondering if that would not be a good idea, give them too great a shock maybe on top of late planting?

Plashing

I plated mine a two weeks ago, I trimmed the roots and the tops and they growing nicely, I grew the seeds a seed tray the transplanted them in to root trainers and ten planted in a deep bed, they wont get has big but you can use them in stir fries, stews. soups, you should be alright.

nick615

With the dry summer mine are very thick, but don't seem as long as usual.  They're know to benefit from a frost, although we've had a couple of feeds already.  I'd try a taste and form an opinion from that.

Joyce Goldenlily

I always trim the roots and tops of my leeks when planting out. It helps the energy to go into the leeks growing without supporting a large leaf and root system.
I would trim the tops down by about one-third, if you are feeling brave you could also lift the leeks, trim the roots and replant them as they will not be established yet.

Palustris

just don't forget that Allium roots do not split when cut. The plant has to produce a whole new set of roots from the basal plate. The cut roots shrivel and die. so if you trim the roots you ought to also trim the tops.