Mr Fothergill's Leek Lyon (Prizetaker) Seeds, Excellent early cropping variety. Apply high nitrogen fertiliser to your leek bed just prior to planting them out in summer to help them through a long growing season.

Sow outdoors thinly in a seed bed, 1.5cm deep directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Water well until plants are established. Transplant 15cm apart into 15cm deep holes made with a dibber. Allow 30cm between rows. Water seedlings, but do not fill holes with soil. As plants grow, draw up soil onto them to improve length of blanch (white stem). Or sow indoors 0.5cm deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Keep moist. Transplant 5cm apart to other trays when large enough to handle. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out.

• Favourite early leek, good enough for showing
• Long, thick white ‘shanks’, mild flavour
• Good source of vitamin C, iron and folate

Sow time: Jan-Apr
Flowering/Harvesting time: Sep-Dec