Organically grown at KoruKai Herb Farm, New Zealand, without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other agrochemicals.
Multiplying Leeks are one of the most rewarding perennial vegetables we grow. Once established, they provide a dependable harvest year after year with very little maintenance. Their greatest value is their timing—they come into full production throughout winter and continue producing well into spring, just as our annual leek crop comes to an end.
Unlike conventional leeks, Multiplying Leeks reproduce naturally by forming clusters of new stems around the original plant. Each year the clump becomes larger and more productive, allowing you to harvest the largest stems while leaving the smaller ones to mature. Over time, a single planting can supply an abundant harvest for many years.
The stems grow to around thumb thickness and have a mild, sweet leek flavour that is excellent in soups, stews, casseroles, stir-fries, omelettes, quiches, pies, and roasted vegetable dishes.
You will get a starter clump with 3-4 small bare rooted leeks like in the image below.
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The below photo shows healthy spring growth. It was taken in October. At this stage they are ready to divide and harvest the fatter ones.
Growing Conditions
Multiplying Leeks are exceptionally hardy and easy to grow. Their flat, blue-grey leaves resemble garlic, but their growth habit is quite different, forming dense perennial clumps rather than a single stem. They thrive throughout New Zealand, from subtropical regions to cool temperate climates, and tolerate frost with ease. They perform best in full sun but also grow well in partial shade, making them a versatile crop for almost any garden. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with generous amounts of compost or well-rotted manure. Regular applications of compost and organic mulch will reward you with vigorous growth and thicker stems.
Planting Instructions
Plant your leeks as soon as they arrive. Prepare the planting area by incorporating plenty of compost into the soil. Plant the clump 5–6 cm deep, spacing clumps about 15 cm apart. Although individual offsets can be separated and planted on arrival, we recommend leaving the young clump intact during its first season. This helps the plants establish more quickly and produce stronger growth. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a generous layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and build healthy soil. Newly planted leeks can attract curious birds, so protecting them with netting or a few branches until established is worthwhile. During the first growing season, the plants will begin producing small daughter leeks around the outside of the clump. These gradually increase in size, creating a productive perennial patch.
Harvesting and Dividing
Harvesting is simple and sustainable.
Once the clumps are established, harvest the largest stems as needed while leaving the smaller ones to continue growing. This provides an almost continuous supply without reducing the overall productivity of the patch. Alternatively, lift the entire clump once a year, separate the individual leeks, and replant the smaller offsets into freshly composted soil. The larger stems can be taken to the kitchen while the younger plants establish the next generation.
Annual division keeps the plants vigorous and is an easy way to expand your planting.
Seasonal Growth
Multiplying Leeks naturally slow down and often die back during the heat of midsummer. Don't worry, this is a normal part of their growth cycle. As temperatures cool in late summer and autumn, fresh shoots emerge from the underground bulbs, often producing even more stems than the previous season. For this reason, it's a good idea to mark the planting position so the dormant clumps are not accidentally disturbed. With minimal care, regular mulching, and an annual application of compost, Multiplying Leeks will become increasingly productive each year, making them one of the easiest and most valuable perennial vegetables for the home garden.
Image below: Washed and ready for winter soups, stews and pies. They are not huge, but so easy to grow and provide and abundance of leeks for 9 months of the year.
