When Do Leeks Flower? Leeks bolt or go to seed near the end of their growing season. Wild Leek is a large genus of about 400 species. They are biennial blubs in the onion family native to Southern Europe, Asia, and Macronesia but are found all over the world. latiorifolium (Pau) Rivas Mart., Fern. All of the plant is edible. [33], Chives thrive in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6-7 and full sun. [15], The plant provides a great deal of nectar for pollinators. It was rated in the top 10 for most nectar production (nectar per unit cover per year) in a UK plants survey conducted by the AgriLand project which is supported by the UK Insect Pollinators Initiative. When leeks have gone to seed, they become tough and inedible. Leeks (Allium ampeloprasum var. When this happens, the leeks become tough and bitter. The tender Leek stalks are preferred, because the tougher stalks will remain tough after cooking. MacMillan Press 1992, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T172256A19391728.en, "Allium schoenoprasum L. is an accepted name", "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew", "Allium schoenoprasum in Flora of China @ efloras.org", "Allium schoenoprasum in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". The leek is an ancient crop and is native to eastern Mediterranean lands and the Middle East. After at least four weeks, the young shoots should be ready to be planted out. [25] They are also an ingredient of the gräddfil sauce with the traditional herring dish served at Swedish midsummer celebrations. If you’ve ever considered popping a flower bulb into your mouth, don’t! The flowers, roots and stems are edible in both; and when crushed or cut, emit an oniony smell. Boost your culinary repertoire and add some color to your garden with our selection of beautiful edible organic flower seeds. You can also use them as an edible ornamental, as their fan-shaped structure lends itself well to flower backdrops. The edible part of the plant is a bundle of leaf sheaths that is sometimes erroneously called a stem or stalk. Gonz. Flowering Chinese Leek. Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked[2, 27, 61, 105]. The edible flowers can be used in salads. [14] Chives have insect-repelling properties that can be used in gardens to control pests. If you like anise, this is the edible flower for you. Showy cream flowers appear above the clumps of strappy green leaves in the early summer. [24], In middle Europe, it is found within Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. Flowering Chinese Leek Allium tuberosum. Leeks are an unusual but delicious vegetable to grow in the garden. In southeastern Europe, within Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Romania. Plant in tilled rows or in a raised bed. This means that you should plant leeks after daytime temperatures are consistently above 45 F. (7 C.). The flowers are pale purple, and star-shaped with six petals, 1–2 cm (1⁄2–3⁄4 in) wide, and produced in a dense inflorescence of 10-30 together; before opening, the inflorescence is surrounded by a papery bract. Please be mindful that only the flowers are edible. [34], Chives are susceptible to damage by leek moth larvae, which bore into the leaves or bulbs of the plant. raw or cooked. Although there are types of flower bulbs you can eat, always, always, always check with a professional first. [24], In North America, it is found in Canada (within the provinces and territories of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon), and the United States (within the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming).[24]. However, if you just cook the dark-green leaves longer, they are indeed edible. Armed with this knowledge, you can avoid a bed full of leeks that have gone to seed. In culinary use, the green stalks (scapes) and the unopened, immature flower buds are diced and used as an ingredient for omelettes, fish, potatoes, soups, and many other dishes. doustpauline of > \whatwhenwhere/