King Richard Leeks: Mild-Flavored Summer Delights for Your Garden

King Richard leeks are an excellent summer variety, prized for their straight, white stalks and mild, delicate flavor. Ready to harvest in just 72 days from transplanting, these leeks offer an early and bountiful crop for eager gardeners. Standing tall at 2-3 feet, King Richard leeks boast an impressive stature that makes them a standout in any vegetable patch[1][7].

These leeks are particularly valued for their versatility in the kitchen and ease of cultivation. With no hilling necessary, King Richard leeks are perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Their mild taste makes them ideal for a wide range of culinary applications, from soups and stews to standalone side dishes[6][8]. The long, thick, sweet stems provide ample usable portions, ensuring you get the most out of each plant.

King Richard leeks thrive in soil rich in organic matter and appreciate consistent moisture. Plant them 12 inches apart to give them room to develop their impressive stalks. These leeks are known for their cold tolerance, withstanding temperatures as low as 20°F, which allows for an extended harvest period well into the cooler months[6][7]. For the best flavor, consider harvesting after a few cold nights have passed, as this can enhance their taste profile.

Growing Success Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date for best results[7].
• Transplant when seedlings are 8-10 inches tall and pencil-thick[5].
• Keep soil consistently moist and rich in organic matter[1].
• Harvest when tops are 15-18 inches tall and shanks are at least 1 inch in diameter[7].

King Richard leeks offer an excellent return on investment for home gardeners, providing a long harvest window and versatile culinary uses. Their ease of growth and impressive size make them a rewarding addition to any vegetable garden. For extra-long white shanks, gently hill soil around the stems as they grow, though it’s not strictly necessary for this variety[1].

Product Features

• Maturity: 72 days from transplant
• Plant height: 2-3 feet
• Spacing: 12 inches
• Container: 3.5-inch pot for seedlings

Growing Information

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: High in organic matter, well-draining
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
• Temperature tolerance: Hardy to 20°F

Key Benefits

• Early summer harvest
• No hilling required for white stalks
• Mild, versatile flavor
• Cold-tolerant for extended harvest season

Citations: [1] https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/leeks/king-richard-organic-leek-seed-416G.html [2] https://www.ufseeds.com/product/king-richard-leeks/LEKR.html [3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/leek-benefits [4] https://www.diggers.com.au/products/leek-king-richard [5] https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/leeks/king-richard-leek-plants-2403.html [6] https://natureandnurtureseeds.com/products/king-richard-leek [7] https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/king-richard-leek-seeds [8] https://shop.epicgardening.com/products/king-richard-leek-seeds [9] https://fedcoseeds.com/seeds/king-richard-organic-summer-leek-2407 [10] https://www.smartgardener.com/plants/1457-leek-king-richard/overview [11] https://intuitiveforagerblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/11/king-richard-leeks/ [12] https://redemptionseeds.com/king-richard-leek-seed.html [13] https://greg.app/leek-varieties/ [14] https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/leeks/ [15] https://www.flowerpower.com.au/leek-king-richard-9352158000694 [16] https://www.benaranurseries.com/plants/leek-king-richard-diggers [17] https://extension.sdstate.edu/leeks-harvest-and-storage [18] https://moreveg.co.uk/Leek-King-Richard [19] https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1388 [20] https://www.southernexposure.com/products/king-richard-leek/