A very early variety. Extra long, slim stems which don't need earthing up and are ideal for slicing. From earliest sowings it is ready in June-July, and later sowings, August-September, stay ready for use until Christmas. You can also direct sow without the need to transplant, or grow closer together for delicious, succulent mini leeks.

Leeks prefer ordinary, well drained soil in sun or semi shade and can follow early peas and potatoes. Sow in early spring, outdoors in a well prepared seed bed. Sow thinly 1cm (½in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart.

In early summer lift the seedlings carefully and plant 15x38cm (6x15in) apart, making 15cm (6in) deep holes and inserting the seedlings as far as the first leaf. Then fill the hole with water NOT SOIL. Earth up the stems as growth develops and harvest in autumn/winter.

To grow as mini-leeks sow as above but very thinly and don't transplant. Harvest in summer/autumn.