Characteristics of the most popular varieties of leeks

The leek is second only to the onion in popularity in our country (however, this is not surprising, because the onion is a "native inhabitant" for us, while the leek came to us from Western Asia), leaving behind all other species of the onion family. It is included in many dishes, the chemical composition of the plant makes it one of the most useful vegetables, and some healing properties are inherent in it. In Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, it is grown almost everywhere, so we will devote this article to inspecting and characterizing the best varieties of leeks.

Early ripe

As statistics show, early ripe leeks are more productive than others, they ripen in about 130-150 days, depending on the conditions.

Goliath is of medium height (the bleached part is about 30 cm) with wide leaves of green or gray-green color. The bulb is poorly expressed, the total weight is up to 200 g. The purpose is universal, it is used both fresh and dried. Immunity to diseases is not very good, therefore it requires additional attention when leaving.

Kilima can be harvested one week later than other early varieties. It has a shorter "leg" (length - 25 cm, diameter - 5 cm), but more dense, the total weight is not more than 150 g. For universal use.

Vesta was bred by Moscow breeders for cultivation in this region. The taste is semi-sharp, versatile. The white part can reach a length of 50 cm with a diameter of only 2-3 cm, the total weight exceeds 200 g. It resists various diseases well.

Columbus. Plants of this variety are tall due to long leaves (up to 80 cm), the weight can reach as much as 400 g with proper cultivation techniques. It has excellent taste, the bleached part is formed practically without hilling.

Mid-season

Casimir is a leek of German origin. The bulb is poorly expressed or may be absent altogether, but the bleached part is of excellent quality up to 25 cm long with a diameter of no more than 5 cm. You can use it fresh or dried.

Kamus is a product of Czech breeding specialists. The bulb is weak, the bleached part is about 18-20 cm long, with a diameter of only 2-3 cm. The leaves are sometimes with a slight purple tint. Taste - semi-sharp, preferably fresh. Productivity is slightly below most average species. Able to resist fungal diseases.

Bastion is one of the first of the mid-season varieties to yield a harvest (155-160 days). The leaves of the plant are gray-green or blue-green of medium length. The bulb is moderately expressed, the bleached part with a diameter of 4-5 cm reaches a third of a meter in length, weight - about 200 g. In addition to fresh consumption, the vegetable is suitable for drying and canning.

Tango is a very productive variety. Despite the fact that it belongs to the mid-season, it is frost-hardy, not prone to disease. The length of the "leg" is 12-15 cm, the leaves are medium, the bulb, like most types of leeks, is weak. The total weight of one plant is about 200-250 g. The purpose is universal.

Leek Jolant is a plant up to 40 cm high with narrow dark green leaves with a light purple color. The length and diameter of the "leg" are medium, the bulb is small. It is widely used in home cooking and industrial processing. Has a relatively strong immunity to fungal diseases.

Late ripening

The growing season of late varieties is about six months (from 180 days), their yield is comparable to that of mid-season varieties.

Asgeos, an onion bred by VNIISSOK employees in the 90s, is well suited for growing in Siberia. It has dark green leaves with a slightly pronounced bluish tint, the length of which exceeds half a meter with a width of 6-7 cm.The bulb is weakly expressed, the white part barely reaches 20 cm in length, but the mass of the whole plant is in the range of 300-350 g. The taste is semi-sharp, application - universal.

Sizokryl has a thick bleached part, the mass of plants is about 150 g. Leaves are dark green, or blue-green. Like all winter species, it is winter-hardy, endowed with a slightly pungent taste. Application is universal.

Elephant is a Czech variety, the harvest ripens in 190-200 days. The plant can grow up to 85 cm in height and reach 200 g in weight, with a medium-sized stem. Has a specific spicy taste.

Mercury is a leek with dark green leaves, a cylindrical “leg” and a length of 20-25 cm. Plant weight from 150 g, with good agricultural technology, can increase to 200 g. It has a semi-sharp taste, is used fresh and dried. Resistant to viral diseases.

When choosing a variety of leeks, consider the purpose for which you are going to use it, and based on this, make your choice correctly. Thanks to breeding, there is now a wide selection, and perhaps this article, which presented the most popular varieties of leeks with us, will help you choose what you need.

Video "Leek"

In this video, you will see the general characteristics of leeks, learn about its beneficial properties and methods of use.