[Mash Mad]

hi green finger here. I have been growing leeks for the first time this year and some of them have gone to seed, why is this? Have I left them in the ground to long:?: I let them grow about 2feet long and they looked pritty good, there was a middle shoot that had a small round head on it, knowing when to pick my leeks can be difficult for a first timer like me.
When I cut one of them to cook there was a round stem that lead up to the top of the round ball on the middle shoot. Can any one help me with my problem as I would like to grow leeks again next year. Maybe for a show.

[Trillium]

You could have a few problems actually. One, that its very possible in the packaging line that an ornamental allium seed, or 2, somehow got into your leek pkg. Or, that with the strange weather conditions this year, the plants were fooled into throwing up seed stalks instead of producing proper roots. It sometimes happens and you just have to accept these things. Try a fresh pkg of leek seeds for next year from a different supplier and you should do fine. Also, if the plant gets too dry it's also a signal to make seed instead of root.  Lots of manure and compost in the soil will both feed the leeks and retain moisture.

[Mash Mad]

Thanks for your advice Trillium.