Leek is not only a tasty vegetable but, as a giant leek, it is also a very attractive ornamental plant in the summer garden. It originally comes from Central and Near Asia, but also grows very well in gardens and parks here.
How do you properly care for giant leeks (Allium giganteum)?
The care of giant leeks (Allium giganteum) includes a sunny location, moderately nutrient-rich soil, a planting depth of 20 cm, sufficient planting distance, occasional watering, regular fertilization and not removing the wilted leaves too early to prevent flower formation in the next year to ensure.
Planting giant leeks
The giant onion prefers a sunny location and moderately nutrient-rich soil. Plant the giant onion together with steppe sage, lady's mantle or peonies, the plants go well together. The onion needs a planting depth of approx. 20 centimeters. A layer of sand about five centimeters high at the bottom of the planting hole ensures good water drainage and a little protection from frost in winter.
Watering and fertilizing giant leeks
You actually only need to water your giant leek if it is persistently dry. If the leaves start to yellow in summer, this is not an indication of a lack of water, but completely normal. Regular fertilization is recommended.
The flower of the giant leek
The red to purple-violet spherical flowers of the giant onion, up to twelve centimeters in diameter, are a true splendor. It usually appears in the middle of summer, as the flowering period is only in June and August. Giant leeks are ideal as cut flowers. Its stems are quite strong and up to 1.50 meters long.
Cutting giant leeks
As soon as the giant onion begins to bloom, the leaves begin to yellow. Even if it's not a particularly pretty sight, you definitely shouldn't cut off the yellow leaves too early. The nutrients now slowly migrate from the leaves into the bulb, where they are needed for budding next spring. By the way, this applies to different types of ornamental garlic.
By cutting too early, you risk that your giant leek may not bloom next year. If you are bothered by the yellowing leaves, then it is better to plant some ground cover around the leek, such as low grasses, lavender, oregano or floribunda roses.
The most important care tips for giant leeks:
- sunny location
- moderately nutrient-rich, permeable soil, sandy to loamy
- Planting depth: 20 cm
- Planting distance: 30 cm
- hardy
Tip
Don't cut off the wilted leaves of your giant leek too early, otherwise the leek may not bloom at all next year.
