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Organic summer leek 'Alto'

Name: Organic summer leek 'Alto'
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Organic Alto Summer Leek

Latin name Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

Quantity per packet About 100 seeds

Alto produces an early harvest of premium-quality leeks with a refined, mild flavor. Its rapid growth delivers excellent results even in regions with shorter growing seasons.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameOrganic Alto Summer Leek

Latin nameAllium ampeloprasum var. porrum

FamilyAmaryllidaceae

TypeVegetable

CycleBiennial

Quantity per packAbout 100 seeds

Code produitBIOVO-0104

Product
description

Organic Summer Leek ‘Alto’ (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) is a vigorous and productive variety, ideal for gardeners looking for tender, flavorful summer leeks that are quick to harvest. Its upright, elegant blue-green foliage adds beautiful structure to the vegetable garden, while its long white stems offer excellent culinary quality. This variety stands out for its uniform growth and its ability to produce generous summer harvests about 75 days after transplanting. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor is perfect for summer leek recipes, light soups, quiches, stir-fries, and braised dishes.

For successful summer leek cultivation, sow seeds indoors from February to April in a light growing mix kept between 18 and 24°C. Transplant summer leeks once young plants are about pencil-sized, into deep, fertile soil enriched with compost and kept consistently moist. Plant in full sun, setting plants into sufficiently deep holes to encourage long white stems. Summer leeks need regular watering, especially during hot weather, without waterlogging the soil. Organic mulch and gradual hilling improve blanching, tenderness, and harvest quality.

In the garden, Organic Summer Leek ‘Alto’ belongs in family vegetable gardens, edible gardens, row crops, and deep 20 to 30 L containers. It pairs well with carrots, beets, lettuce, strawberries, and tomatoes, helping create diverse and productive growing beds. Summer leeks can be harvested progressively once the stems reach a useful size, depending on kitchen needs. If a few plants are left in place until their second year, their decorative umbel flowers attract bees and several beneficial pollinators to the vegetable garden.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodFebruary to April

Best time

February to April

Sowing depth1 cm (3/8 in)

Germination temperature18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F)

Germination time10 to 14 days

Propagation

Propagated primarily by seed. Indoor sowing produces vigorous seedlings well suited to Canadian growing conditions.

Growing
method

Sow seeds indoors from February to April in a light seed-starting mix maintained between 18 and 24°C. When seedlings reach approximately pencil thickness, transplant them into deep planting holes to encourage the development of long white stems. Grow in full sun in deep, organic-rich soil that remains consistently moist. Water regularly throughout the season to prevent drought stress. Gradually hill soil around the stems to improve blanching and produce longer, more tender shanks. Harvest progressively throughout the summer as plants reach the desired size.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun

Soil

Deep, rich, moisture-retentive soil. Loose, fertile soil encourages the development of long, high-quality white stems.

Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral

Watering

Leeks prefer consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged. Regular watering encourages tender stems and helps prevent drought stress.

Fertilization

Leeks benefit from generous compost applications before planting. Moderate nitrogen fertilization during growth encourages sturdy stems and healthy foliage.

Care levelEasy

Weed regularly to reduce competition for water and nutrients. Keep the soil cool with organic mulch and water during dry periods. Hill the stems one or more times during the season to improve blanching. Apply compost or a light organic fertilizer if needed to support steady growth. Harvest plants progressively as they reach the desired size.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

20 to 30 L (5 to 8 gal)

Organic Alto Summer Leek grows very well in deep 20 to 30 L containers with excellent drainage. Deep containers encourage the development of long, tender white stems. Use a compost-rich growing mix and maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the season. This method is ideal for patios, balconies, and small urban gardens.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

This variety quickly produces long, tender white stems that are ideal for summer harvests. Its uniform growth makes it an excellent choice for home and market gardens.

Alto produces an early harvest of premium-quality leeks with a refined, mild flavor. Its rapid growth delivers excellent results even in regions with shorter growing seasons.

Garden use

Alto Summer Leek is ideal for family vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, raised beds, and deep containers. Its upright blue-green foliage adds strong visual structure while producing abundant, tender harvests. It grows well alongside carrots, lettuce, and beets in diversified vegetable gardens.

Bloom period

Flowering usually occurs during the second year if plants are left unharvested. Decorative white umbels attract bees and many beneficial pollinating insects.

Flower colorWhite

Foliage colorBlue-green

Harvest

Harvest about 75 days after transplanting once stems reach a desirable diameter. Plants may be harvested progressively as needed.

Fruiting

The harvested portion is the long white stem together with the edible green leaves. Regular harvesting ensures optimum quality throughout the season.

Wildlife appealPollinators

Size
and facts

Height24 to 36 in. (60 to 90 cm)

Spread5 cm (2 in)

Growth rateMedium

Minimum temperature-15°C (5°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Beetroot, carrot, strawberry, lettuce, tomato

Avoid planting with

Beans, peas

Recipe
and inspiration

Alto Summer Leek is delicious in soups, creamy leek soups, quiches, stir-fries, and braised dishes. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor becomes even richer when cooked while maintaining an excellent texture. It can also be used fresh in selected recipes or added to homemade stocks. This variety is highly valued for its culinary versatility and outstanding flavor.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Alto Summer Leek in Canada? +

Start seeds indoors from February to April to take full advantage of the growing season. This produces vigorous seedlings ready for transplanting once conditions are suitable.

Why should I hill leeks? +

Hilling keeps light away from the stems, producing longer, whiter, more tender shanks that are highly prized in the kitchen.

Is Alto suitable for summer harvests? +

Yes. Alto was selected for early summer production, providing uniform, high-quality harvests ideal for home gardeners.

Can leeks be grown in containers? +

Yes. Deep containers filled with rich soil produce excellent-quality leeks. Consistent watering is essential for the best results.

When should I harvest Alto Summer Leeks? +

Harvests usually begin about 75 days after transplanting. Plants can be harvested gradually as needed throughout the season.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.