Perennial Leek - Improving its seed production.

[Richard Watson]

Ive just processed the previous seasons seed crop and as of last time I grew from the same patch a few year back its another really poor amount of seed considering the number of flower heads I picked and dried. I'm now sure that my strain of perennial leek like other Alliums that are predominantly regrown from clones end up being poor seed producer over time. So I'm going to start a project whereby I will turn over as many generations from seed. A question I do have is, are there differences within this group of Alliums and if so, could someone send me seed, happy to do a trade. Im sure mixing some different genetics into my strain would do wonders.....   

[Diane Whitehead]

I've been growing the Belgian Breeder's Winter Mix from Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seeds in Oregon, USA. A breeder passed on F6 seeds to him, and I bought F7 seeds from him.

The seeds currently for sale, "Shades of Belgian Blue", are derived from this mix.

a broadleaf blue-blushed winter leek, selected especially for resistance to rust, which seems to be an increasing problem in both leek and garlic around here. Still plenty of genetic diversity for further selection in your own location, but this population has a strong expression of blue (to purple) pigments, with thick to medium shafts well wrapped for blanching.

[Richard Watson]

Thanks Dianne, I will chase up the lead you have provided me.

Rust is a major problem here in NZ mostly with garlic but doesnt not effect my perennial leek at all,thankfully, but my annual leeks get some rust though it doesnt seem to effect there growth.

[Richard Watson]

I ended up swooping seed with Keren and Frank Morton. They are going to use my seed within there leek breeding as well. Just starting to notice the first warming of spring so sowing will take place in the next few days