Leeks going to seed

Before I moved up to Cumbria from Derbyshire I could grow quite respectable leeks. Up here, though, they do poorly for me, and this year they are all going to seed. I planted them out in late June/early July (plenty of rain!) when pencil size. Most are now tall (3ft or more, thin and with flower buds showing. HELP!!!

 

Hi Roger,last yr i had a good crop.This yr alot have bolted.I don`t know why as i didn`t do anything different.I did neglect the plot for about 2 months-weeding,as i had alot on,but they were bolting before then.Maybe the problem lies in the soil.It should be dug in winter with compost or rotted manure added.Then in spring time just rake over.Add fertilizer about a week before planting.I still have about a dozen but they are no where near as good as last yrs crop.

 

Hello I have been off the web for a week & Ive been wondering if anyone else has had the same trouble with their leeks that I have. Ive been gardening for 51 years & have never known such a year. I think the reason for the leeks bolting is that after pricking them out in July it turned very warm & they think it is spring so they are doing what comes naturaly. I set 350 leeks ,they are 3ft tall & pencil thick.
Regards ewal.

 

About 80% of ours have bolted this year. Must be due to weather conditions as soil preparation etc was the same as in previous years.
They were sown in deep trays on 19th February and planted through holes in black plastic sheet. It could be due to the very warm weather we experienced in late April and May. Next year I think I'll try two sowings - one in February and another in late March.

 

None of mine have bolted this year, trouble is I cant remember when I sowed them, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't before April at the earliest.
I think you can be a bit too early with the likes of leeks etc.

 

I think you may well be right about sowing too early Pete. When I was working (for a living that is) I did most of my seed sowing during the Easter school holidays and seldom got leeks bolting. Since I retired I've been able to sow earlier which could well be my undoing in this case.

(BTW - Your Through the Window photo in the comp. is a superb composition! )

 

Well, at least I know I'm not alone. Even ewal, from the land of expert leek growers has got the same trouble!

 

A few of mine have bolted - I put it down to the wet weather