Organic seeds

Les jardins de l'écoumène

Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

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From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated
Common nameBleu de Solaise Leek
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusGarlic
Specieswild leek
CultivarSolaise Blue
TypeVegetable
Botanical nameAllium ampeloprasum var. porrum
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietytrue
Quantity per packet100 seeds

Allium ampeloprasum ‘Bleu de Solaise’ — Bleu de Solaise Leek. The Bleu de Solaise Leek is a distinctive variety that brings the vegetable garden an elegant presence and great reliability, especially during the cooler part of the growing season. Its bluish green foliage, which is stained with purple shades in cold weather, offers a subtle and refined spectacle while announcing exceptional hardiness. Highly valued for its fully developed by the time of harvest and slightly sweet flavour, it naturally finds its place in a wide range of meals, from winter soups to simmered dishes and finer preparations.

Recommended planting period: March to April. The sowing depth is 1 cm (3/8 in.). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days. For germination, keep the soil at 15 to 21°C (59 to 70°F). Keep the seedlings of onions, leeks, or shallots well identified, as their young foliage is similar. Give the seedlings sufficient light and consistent moisture throughout their early growth. Transplant gently when appropriate for the crop, without crushing the base of the leaves. In the garden, prepare a surface that is easy to weed: these narrow-leaved plants cover little ground at the beginning of their development.

In the garden, it stands out for its ability to extend the harvest season, offering a fresh resource from early autumn to late winter. The rows of onions and leeks are suitable for areas of the vegetable garden where it is possible to work without walking between the plants. Their vertical silhouette can border a more spreading crop, provided their foliage continues to receive enough light. Identify bunching varieties and those grown for bulbs so you can choose the right harvest stage. Keep the row accessible for weeding until the plants are well established.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Biennial, grown as an annual for harvest
Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

1 cm (3/8 in)

Germination temperature

15 to 21°C (59 to 70°F)

Germination time

10 to 20 days

Sowing period

March to April

Propagation

Sowing

Growing method

Recommended planting period: March to April. The sowing depth is 1 cm (3/8 in.). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days. For germination, keep the soil at 15 to 21°C (59 to 70°F). Keep the young plants that have emerged from seed of onions, leeks, or shallots well identified, as their young foliage is similar. Sufficient light and regular humidity accompany the growth of young plants grown from seed. Transplant gently when appropriate for the crop, without crushing the base of the leaves. In the garden, prepare a surface that is easy to weed: these narrow-leaved plants cover little ground at the beginning of their development. Weed regularly around the alliaceae while working shallowly. Fine foliage does not quickly protect the soil from competition. Observe the desired part of the harvest: soft barrel, aromatic leaves or ripe bulb. For preservative bulbs, the harvest stage and drying count as much as the caliber. Handle the bases carefully to minimize injuries before cooking or storage. Green onions and onions are not picked at the same stage. For guard bulbs, wait for signs of maturation and dry the harvest in an airy place.
Soil and care

Soil and care

Soil & care

Moisture

Keep the potting mix moist during emergence, without standing water; then adjust watering to suit the crop

Watering

For Leek ‘Bleu de Solaise, maintain even moisture during establishment and thickening of the white stems. Water the foot when the soil begins to dry under the surface, allowing the water to penetrate without forming persistent puddles. A light mulch helps to keep the freshness and limits the competition of weeds. Adjust precipitation inputs: already wet soil does not require additional water. Avoid soaking the base of the plants on a sustainable basis.

Soil type

Prepare a fertile and well-drained soil. A deep ground improves the growth of the root system and the maintenance of the ranks. Incorporate ripe compost according to the fertility of the garden, then keep the surface easy to weed. Avoid compacted areas where water accumulates around the base of plants. The soil must maintain freshness during the summer without becoming asphyxiating after rain or watering.

Fertilization

Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.

Seasonal care

In the garden, it stands out for its ability to extend the harvest season, offering a fresh resource from early autumn to late winter. Keep the young plants that have emerged from seed of onions, leeks, or shallots well identified, as their young foliage is similar. Give the seedlings sufficient light and consistent moisture throughout their early growth. Transplant gently when appropriate for the crop, without crushing the base of the leaves. In the garden, prepare a surface that is easy to weed: these narrow-leaved plants cover little ground at the beginning of their development. Weed regularly around the alliaceae while working shallowly. Fine foliage does not quickly protect the soil from competition. Observe the desired part of the harvest: soft barrel, aromatic leaves or ripe bulb. For preservative bulbs, the harvest stage and drying count as much as the caliber. Handle the bases carefully to minimize injuries before cooking or storage. Green onions and onions are not picked at the same stage. For guard bulbs, wait for signs of maturation and dry the harvest in an airy place. For soft drums, harvest gradually according to your needs. A piece of land facilitates the exit of the plants without injuring the part consumed. Valued for its well-developed stem and its mild, slightly sweet flavour, it naturally finds its place in a wide range of meals, from winter soups to simmered dishes and finer preparations.
Growing in containers

Container growing

Container growing

Suitable for containers

Yes

Recommended pot size

A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 10-15 cm (4-6 in.). Alliaceae are placed in a container depending on the part harvested. The leaves or young casks allow close picking, while the bulbs need their definitive place to grow. Spread the plants regularly and keep a piece of soil. Avoid watering that digs around the base. To harvest, gently lift the ball of growing mix contained in the pot surrounding the roots rather than pulling abruptly on the leaves and stems. The Bleu de Solaise Leek is a distinctive variety that brings the vegetable garden an elegant presence and great reliability, especially during the cooler part of the growing season. Its bluish green foliage, which is stained with purple shades in cold weather, offers a subtle and refined spectacle while announcing exceptional hardiness. Valued for its well-developed stem and its mild, slightly sweet flavour, it naturally finds its place in a wide range of meals, from winter soups to simmered dishes and finer preparations. In the garden, it stands out for its ability to extend the harvest season, offering a fresh resource from early autumn to late winter.
Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 in)

Width / spread

10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in)

Foliage type

Seasonal foliage

Growth habit

Upright

Edible parts

Bulbs, shanks and leaves, depending on type

Bloom period

The plant normally develops its flowers during a later stage of its life cycle, after the first harvest of the vegetable parts grown for the kitchen. When growing the plant for leaves, bulbs or roots, flowering is not the intended harvest stage. Early seeding may reduce the tenderness of the produce that you harvest from the garden. Keep seed-producing plants separate from harvest plants and allow room for their flower stalks.

Harvest

September to March
Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

In a diverse planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: carrots, celery, cabbages, strawberries. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. The rows of onions and leeks are suitable for areas of the vegetable garden where it is possible to work without walking between the plants.

Garden use

The rows of onions and leeks are suitable for areas of the vegetable garden where it is possible to work without walking between the plants. Their vertical silhouette can border a more spreading crop, provided their foliage continues to receive enough light. Identify bunching varieties and those grown for bulbs so you can choose the right harvest stage. Keep the row accessible for weeding until the plants are well established. The Bleu de Solaise Leek is a distinctive variety that brings the vegetable garden an elegant presence and great reliability, especially during the cooler part of the growing season. Cultivated in the sun in a fertile and well-drained soil, it develops a beautiful vigour and fits well into neatly arranged vegetable gardens as well as more informal edible plantings. Its bluish green foliage, which is stained with purple shades in cold weather, offers a subtle and refined spectacle while announcing exceptional hardiness. Valued for its well-developed stem and its mild, slightly sweet flavour, it naturally finds its place in a wide range of meals, from winter soups to simmered dishes and finer preparations. In the garden, it stands out for its ability to extend the harvest season, offering a fresh resource from early autumn to late winter.
Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Kitchen idea with Leek ‘Bleu de Solaise: onion fondue for four servings. Prepare 500 g of the harvested part, cleaned and minced, then brown it in 15 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add 30 ml of water, cover and continue gently until tender. Young casks cook faster than well developed bulbs. Stir regularly and add a little water if the bottom hangs. Season with salt, pepper and serve on spreads or with roasted vegetables. Prepare all ingredients using clean utensils, cutting the freshly harvested vegetables into pieces suited to their size and the dish you are making. Use freshly harvested ingredients and remove any damaged pieces before preparing the recipe. If doubling the quantities, use a dish with enough space for even mixing or cooking. Promptly refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and eat them within two days. For a meal for two, divide each ingredient quantity by two.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Bleu de Solaise Leek from seed?
Recommended planting period: March to April. The sowing depth is 1 cm (3/8 in.). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days. For germination, keep the soil at 15 to 21°C (59 to 70°F). Keep the young plants that have emerged from seed of onions, leeks, or shallots well identified, as their young foliage is similar. Give the seedlings sufficient light and consistent moisture throughout their early growth. Transplant gently when appropriate for the crop, without crushing the base of the leaves. In the garden, prepare a surface that is easy to weed: these narrow-leaved plants cover little ground at the beginning of their development.
Can I grow Bleu de Solaise Leek in a container?
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 10-15 cm (4-6 in.). Alliaceae are placed in a container depending on the part harvested. The leaves or young casks allow close picking, while the bulbs need their definitive place to grow. Spread the plants regularly and keep a piece of soil. Avoid watering that digs around the base. To harvest, gently lift the ball of potting mix surrounding the roots rather than shoot the foliage abruptly. The Bleu de Solaise Leek is a distinctive variety that brings the vegetable garden an elegant presence and great reliability, especially during the cooler part of the growing season.
When to enjoy the harvest of Leek ‘Bleu de Solaise?
Valued for its well-developed stem and its mild, slightly sweet flavour, it naturally finds its place in a wide range of meals, from winter soups to simmered dishes and finer preparations. In the garden, it stands out for its ability to extend the produce that you harvest from the garden season, offering a fresh resource from early autumn to late winter. Green onions and onions are not picked at the same stage. For guard bulbs, wait for signs of maturation and dry the produce that you harvest from the garden in an airy place. For soft drums, harvest gradually according to your needs.
What makes Bleu de Solaise Leek distinctive in the garden?
The Bleu de Solaise Leek is a distinctive variety that brings the vegetable garden an elegant presence and great reliability, especially during the cooler part of the growing season. Its bluish green foliage, which is stained with purple shades in cold weather, offers a subtle and refined spectacle while announcing exceptional hardiness. Valued for its well-developed stem and its mild, slightly sweet flavour, it naturally finds its place in a wide range of meals, from winter soups to simmered dishes and finer preparations. In the garden, it stands out for its ability to extend the harvest season, offering a fresh resource from early autumn to late winter.
How should I arrange a planting of Bleu de Solaise Leek?
The rows of onions and leeks are suitable for areas of the vegetable garden where it is possible to work without walking between the plants. Their vertical silhouette can border a more spreading crop, provided their foliage continues to receive enough light. Identify bunching varieties and those grown for bulbs so you can choose the right harvest stage. Keep the row accessible for weeding until the plants are well established. Weed regularly around the alliaceae while working shallowly. Fine foliage does not quickly protect the soil from competition. Observe the desired part of the harvest: soft barrel, aromatic leaves or ripe bulb.

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