Organic 'Alto' Leek

Organic 'Alto' leek (Allium porrum) from the seed company Gaia, a vigorous Bulgarian leek with a thick white stem and a full flavor

The 'Alto' leek is a cylindrical leek with a thick white stem , prized for its rapid growth and versatility. Renowned as a great Bulgarian variety, it can be harvested young to produce tender leeks in clusters , perfect for summer salads, or left to mature to obtain more robust and aromatic stems for autumn cooking. Its flavor intensifies with cold weather , developing a deep, vegetal sweetness after a few cool nights. Vigorous and reliable, it adapts well to both early harvests and extended cultivation into autumn.

A robust and elegant leek, it is a versatile variety for vegetable gardens seeking productivity and refined flavor.

Companion plants : Carrot, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Beetroot, Cabbage, Spinach, Lettuce, Tomato
Nefarious plants : Peas, Beans

Spread/carry : Cylindrical, upright
Plant height : 40 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 100 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Thick white stem, rapid growth, can be harvested in bunches, flavor enhanced by cold

Leaf color : Bluish green
Texture/flavor : Smooth, full-bodied, more aromatic after chilling
Cold tolerance : Down to -7°C

Farming method

Start sowing 10 to 12 weeks before planting time. Sow densely in seed trays, lightly covering the seeds, then space them about 6 mm apart. When the seedlings reach 25 to 40 cm , transplant them into 15 cm deep trenches, leaving only 5 to 10 cm of foliage above the soil. Leeks prefer partial sun/shade (level 2) and regular watering (level 2). Moderate fertility and loose soil promote long, straight stems.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest at all stages: young for tender, mild leeks, or mature for a more pronounced flavor. Quality is optimal after a few cold nights. Store leeks in a vegetable cellar, in slightly damp sand, at 1 to 2°C .

Usage ideas

• In salads when harvested young and tender
• In soups and broths for their characteristic sweetness
• Braised or roasted for a melt-in-your-mouth texture
• In quiches, tarts or savory pies
• As an aromatic base in many dishes

The 'Alto' leek offers a prized combination of rapid growth, versatility, and rich flavor. Whether harvested young or mature, it brings finesse and aromatic intensity to the vegetable garden and the kitchen.