Oarsman Leek: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Harvesting This Vigorous Variety

Leeks are a versatile and robust vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes. Among the many leek varieties, the Oarsman Leek stands out for its impressive growth, high yields, and strong disease resistance. This modern leek variety is known for producing tall, straight, and thick stems with an attractive white shaft and tender flavor. Its vigorous growth makes it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for a reliable leek that matures in late summer through early winter.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing Oarsman leeks—from preparing the soil and planting to caring for the plants, harvesting, and using them in your kitchen. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge to cultivate a successful crop of Oarsman leeks in your garden.

What Are Oarsman Leeks?

The Oarsman Leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) is a relatively modern leek variety that is prized for its vigorous growth and high-quality stems. It produces tall, straight, white shafts with tender, sweet, and mild flavors that make it ideal for both raw and cooked dishes. Oarsman leeks are fast-growing, maturing in around 90 to 120 days, which makes them an excellent choice for both autumn and winter harvesting.

One of the key features of Oarsman leeks is their ability to produce a uniform crop, with long, straight stems that are often about 12 inches long. The thick white shafts are complemented by dark green leaves, giving the plant a striking appearance in the garden. This variety is known for being relatively easy to grow, with strong resistance to common leek diseases such as rust.

Why Grow Oarsman Leeks?

There are several reasons why the Oarsman leek is a great addition to your vegetable garden:

1. Vigorous Growth: Oarsman leeks are fast-growing and produce tall, thick stems, making them a high-yielding variety.
2. Disease Resistance: This variety has strong resistance to common leek diseases like rust, making it a dependable choice for healthy crops.
3. Versatile Harvest Period: Oarsman leeks can be harvested from late summer through early winter, providing a long window of availability.
4. Uniform Shape: The long, straight, white shafts of Oarsman leeks are consistent in shape, making them visually appealing and easy to prepare in the kitchen.
5. Mild, Sweet Flavor: The mild, sweet taste of Oarsman leeks makes them ideal for a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and stir-fries.

Preparing the Soil for Oarsman Leeks

Oarsman leeks thrive in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Proper soil preparation is essential for growing healthy, vigorous leeks. Follow these steps to ensure your soil is ready for planting:

• Loosen the Soil: Leeks develop long, deep roots, so it’s important to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 to 15 inches. Use a garden fork or tiller to break up the soil and ensure it is well-aerated.
• Add Organic Matter: Leeks are heavy feeders and benefit from nutrient-rich soil. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted compost or manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
• Check the pH: Oarsman leeks prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, add lime to bring it within the optimal range.
• Ensure Good Drainage: While leeks need consistent moisture, they don’t do well in waterlogged soil. If your soil has drainage issues, consider planting leeks in raised beds or incorporating organic material to improve drainage.

Planting Oarsman Leeks

Oarsman leeks can be grown from seed or transplanted as young seedlings. Here’s how to plant them for optimal results:

Growing from Seed

1. Sow Indoors: Start Oarsman leek seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Sow the seeds in seed trays or pots filled with fine seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, and keep the trays in a sunny location or under grow lights.
2. Transplanting Seedlings: When the seedlings reach about 6 to 8 inches tall and the outdoor temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C), they are ready for transplanting into the garden. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over the course of a week before transplanting.
3. Direct Sowing: In milder climates, you can sow Oarsman leek seeds directly into the garden in late spring or early summer. Space the seeds about 1 inch apart in rows, and thin the plants as they grow.

Transplanting Seedlings

Once your seedlings are ready for the garden, follow these steps to plant them:

• Trench Planting: Dig shallow trenches about 6 inches deep in the garden bed. Plant the seedlings at the bottom of the trenches, spacing them about 6 inches apart. As the leeks grow, gradually fill in the trench with soil to blanch the stems and encourage long, white shafts.
• Spacing: Space rows about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and root development.

Caring for Oarsman Leeks

Watering

Leeks need consistent moisture to grow well, especially in the early stages of growth. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants with organic material, such as straw or compost, helps retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

Fertilizing

Oarsman leeks are heavy feeders and will benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season to provide the nutrients needed for strong, healthy growth. High-nitrogen fertilizers can also help promote leafy growth.

Blanching the Stems

Blanching is essential for growing long, tender white leek stems. As the plants grow, hill soil around the base of the leeks to cover the lower portion of the stems. This process prevents sunlight from reaching the stems, resulting in the long, white shafts that are prized for their flavor and texture.

Weed Control

Weeds can compete with leeks for water, nutrients, and space, so it’s important to keep the garden bed weed-free. Mulching around the plants can help suppress weed growth, and hand-weeding may be necessary during the early stages of growth.

Harvesting Oarsman Leeks

Oarsman leeks typically take around 90 to 120 days to mature, depending on when they were planted. You can begin harvesting them once the stems are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

One of the key benefits of growing Oarsman leeks is their extended harvest period. They can be left in the ground for several weeks longer without losing quality, allowing you to harvest them as needed. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the leeks, then carefully lift them from the ground. Avoid pulling directly on the stems, as this can damage the plant.

Common Pests and Diseases

Oarsman leeks are relatively hardy, but like all crops, they can be affected by pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to look out for:

Pests

• Leek Moth: The larvae of the leek moth can burrow into the leaves and stems, causing damage. Use row covers to protect your plants from moths laying eggs on them.
• Onion Thrips: Thrips can cause silvery streaks on the leaves. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help control these pests.

Diseases

• Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange pustules on leek leaves. Prevent rust by spacing your plants properly to allow good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
• White Rot: White rot is a fungal disease that affects allium crops, causing root rot. Practice crop rotation and ensure good soil drainage to help prevent white rot.

Storing and Using Oarsman Leeks

After harvesting, Oarsman leeks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze them for use in soups, stews, and other dishes throughout the winter months.

Oarsman leeks are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, thanks to their mild, sweet flavor. Here are a few ways to use them:

• Soups and Stews: Leeks are a classic ingredient in soups and stews, adding a rich, savory flavor to dishes like potato-leek soup or chicken stew.
• Sautéed Leeks: Sautéing leeks in butter or olive oil brings out their natural sweetness, making them a great side dish or base for frittatas and quiches.
• Grilled or Roasted Leeks: Grilling or roasting leeks enhances their flavor, creating a smoky, caramelized taste that pairs well with meats and vegetables.

Conclusion

Oarsman leeks are an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a vigorous, high-yielding variety with strong disease resistance and a long harvest period. With proper soil preparation, consistent care, and attention to watering and blanching, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful crop of flavorful, tender leeks that will elevate your home-cooked meals.

By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to growing and enjoying Oarsman leeks, whether you’re planting them

for late summer harvests or overwintering for an early winter treat.

Check out a wide range of different varieties of leeks here