LEEK Seeds, American Flag

American Flag Leek (Allium ampeloprasum 'American Flag') is an heirloom, open-pollinated leek with thick, mild, white-to-green stems. Hardy and cold-tolerant, it brings a sweet onion flavor to soups, stews, and braises.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Allium ampeloprasum 'American Flag'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated leek
• Sun: Full sun (6 to 8 hours)
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, organic-rich
• Planting depth: Set deep (about 6 inches) to blanch stems

Best for

• Soups, stocks, and stews
• Braises and gratins
• Saute and side dishes
• Fall and cool-season gardens

How to grow

Start seeds indoors and transplant into deep holes, or hill soil around the stems as they grow to blanch the white shanks. Grow in full sun and fertile soil with consistent moisture. Cold-tolerant leeks can hold in the garden into late fall. Harvest once stems reach usable thickness.

Flavor profile

Mild, sweet, and onion-like without sharpness, becoming silky and savory when cooked slowly.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms is a seed company devoted to heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, giving home gardeners dependable seeds with the character and heritage of generations past.

Sold by 99Heirlooms.com, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota.