[johnwoots]

Hi all.

I was in a clients garden yesterday who happened to be growing leeks which all seemed to be doing well. Though one of them had a long green stem with a green round almost bulb like end which looks like it may flower growing from it!! I didnt get a photo of it and i am wondering if this is common with leeks? as i have got mine growing a havent seen this before!

does any one know what i mean ? or am i as mad as i think i am!! : :

[Sue33]

haven't had this on leeks before but some of the onions did this, you have to take that bit off as the plant is putting all its energy into creating flower rather than bulbing (i think )

[beanqueen]

Think this means it's bolted and if so plant is useless ( don't dig it up until someone more experience posts..just in case)

[pushrod]

yes it has bolted - possibly got a bit dry - when it happens they won't be worth eating as it will have a thick central stem, but you can leave one as you may well get seed from it.

[Aidy]

As above but you can still use them in soups and stews etc, why waste it? Just cut the core out.

[gillie]

You can leave it to flower, dry it and then use it in flower arrangements.  People do not believe the extravagant arrangement I have in a large pot is actually humble leeks!

Cheers,

Gillie

[Salmo]

That one plant thinks it is Spring already so has gone into flowering mode. If you leave leeks long enough next Spring they will all eventually produce the same flower stalks.

Probably best not to try and save seed from this one as its offspring will probably also have a tendancy to bolt early and be useless as vegetables but could start a new decorative leek variety.

[pushrod]

Probably best not to try and save seed from this one as its offspring will probably also have a tendancy to bolt early and be useless as vegetables but could start a new decorative leek variety.

Good point especially if it has bolted for no apparent reason. However, most plants will put more energy into reproduction if they are stressed by lack of water or overcrowding. Natural selection's way of ensuring continuity of the species. (Also the reason why the best flowering displays are usually from slightly overcrowded plants)

[Jay Dubya]

Hi, if it's an F 1 don't save the seed but you can save the little bulblets on the seed head prick them out and your leek will be true.

[jaycee]

Most of my wonderful crop of leeks has bolted
NOT lack of rain
Don`t think they are too close together
Did I seed too early (22,3,09)
Any advice?
Thanks

Using them just the same

[crh75]

Could you cut off the flower heads and eat them?
I'm thinking leek scapes like garlic scapes!

[Yabba]

Doubt it was to early, some of mine were sown in jan and I'm a smidge further south than you in the tundra otherwise known as tropical blackpool

¥

[mumofstig]

Blame it on the weather.....I blame anything that I can't find a reason for, on the weather...good enough for me

[lucywil]

i have had a few bolt as well but like the others have said dont waste them, just slice open and take the stalk out and use the rest.

[Elcie]

You can leave it to flower, dry it and then use it in flower arrangements.  People do not believe the extravagant arrangement I have in a large pot is actually humble leeks!

Cheers,

Gillie

Would love to see a photo of this if you have one.  Might encourage me to leave a few of mine to flower!