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Holly's Homestead — Perennial Vegetable

Perennial Leek

Allium ampeloprasum var. babingtonii · Onion family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Perennial, from bulbils/divisions
MATURITY Usable within a season, ongoing after
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
20–30cm
Depth
as per bulbil

01Plant once, harvest for years

Also called walking onion or Babington's leek, this perennial produces clumps of bulbils that can be replanted or left to multiply the bed on their own year after year.

02Planting

Method
Plant bulbils or divisions from an established clump.
Soil
Rich, well-drained.
Timing
Plant in autumn or spring.

03Growing care

  • Water regularly, especially while establishing.
  • Divide clumps every couple of years to keep vigour up.
  • Harvest outer stems, leaving the clump to regrow.
  • Feed with compost annually.

04Problems

  • Rust — orange leaf spotting; improve airflow.
  • Very few other issues — a low-maintenance perennial.
  • Overcrowding — divide clumps periodically.
  • Onion thrips — occasional; hose off.

05Harvest & storage

Signs
Usable stems from spring through much of the year.
Method
Cut or pull outer stems, leaving the clump intact.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge, up to a couple of weeks.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby
CarrotBeetroot
Avoid nearby
BeansPeas
Rotation note
Not applicable — permanent perennial bed.