[Growster...]

Does anyone really take much notice of the 'three seasons' of their leeks?

There are so many variable factors like weather etc, and sowing methods, that I've never got it right, but maybe have got a much better crop because of this!

Any views anyone?

[8doubles]

I did not know there were early or late leeks !

I always use Musselburgh and stick them anywhere there is a gap, always get a usable crop of 25-45mm thick leeks.
I often have too many to use, never any problem apart from a bit of rust now and again.

[mumofstig]

I like skinny summer ones chopped in salad, so always make sure I sow plenty

[Snoop]

Actually, you can find 'long-season' leeks. I mentioned Megaton on a previous thread. I bought some as smaller than pencil-thin seedlings about this time last year. They were ready for picking late summer. The last two are still in the ground. And they're still good. No rust and no bolting. And they taste fantastic and look the business.

[Growster...]

Interesting comments, Folks - thank you.

The Venerable Bede, Dr Hessayon, mentions 'Early', 'Mid season' and 'Late' varieties, and over the years, I've wondered whether to consider trying the types, i.e.Lyon, then Musselburgh, then Yate's Empire, but reality kicks in, and we say, 'Aw come on, it's all seasonality, and when leeks are off the menu, it's usually summer, then Autumn!

And because this year is nearly a month late already, do we just chuck the early seeds away, and consider jumping off a cliff, or worse, giving up gardening altogether?

I think not...;0)

[sunshineband]

I grew an early variety last year (buying tiny plants from an October sowing in a cold glass house) and they were ready to eat by August. Grew them alongside the PSB as there was a bit of space. Can't recall the variety now, bu they were very good - will find out if you would like to know Growster, for later on this year.

Other than that, I start pulling the maincrop ones - American Flag and Bleau de Solaise as soon as they are about 2cm across and they are still going strong

Also had some yellow ones this this (Jaune de Poitou (sp?) I think, from a friend and they are an early variety. However, I planted them out very late like biro refills but they have grown quite quickly and are a decent 2-3 cm thick now

So.... no jumping off a cliff, just get those seeds sown 

[Growster...]

Yes, but you're an expert KC!

;0)

We had the best ever crop of 'Elefant', last year, and some of them are still heeled in and enjoying life!

Like a twit, I didn't get the same type this year (weren't in the shop for some reason), but there were about a hundred seeds left over from last, so they're being peered at to see if they're germinating...

I reckon we use about 150 leeks a year, plus more for swapping for eggs etc, so that's not a problem really, but with the year already out of kilter, they'll get planted out whether they're 'DD pencil', or 'biro refill', or how about 'car radio aerial'...?