Leek tastes like a mild spring onion, being a relative of both Garlic and Onion. One major benefit versus an onion though...they won't make you cry when you cut them!

Note: Leeks, and all Alliums, are unique in that the sprout they produce is actually the plant - as opposed to the root - which is what almost all other seeds produce during the sprouting process. These plants look like - and are - tiny little Greens.

Slow to grow, either as a microgreen or a sprout, so patience is required but well worth the wait!

How to grow Leek Microgreens Seeds as Sprouts:

Equipment
Sprouter
Leek microgreen seeds

Culture

1. Make sure that the Sprouter is super clean and sterile.
2. Place the seeds in the bottom of the Sprouter (no grid tray in place).
3. Cover the seeds with tepid water. Stir the seeds to ensure that all the seeds get soaked, a vital process for smaller seeds. (Use water that is at room temperature, water that is either too hot or too cold can shock the seeds and also slow the germination process).
Don't put too much seed in the tray, allow the seed sufficient room to expand… insufficient space will lead to mould issues as air cannot circulate sufficiently.
4. After the initial soak of 8-12 hours, skim off any floating seeds, empty the water by using the grid tray, so that the seeds get caught in the grid, the seeds should be left damp and not swimming in water. Drain as much of the water as possible.
NOTE - if using small seeds then the Bamboo paper needs to be placed on top of the grid otherwise the seeds will fall through the grid tray!
5. Place grid tray with seeds in the Sprouter and cover with clear lid.
6. Rinse 2-3 times per day with room temperature water, by running water through the seeds on the grid tray. Use lots of water and if possible, rinse under high-pressure water. Drain as much of the water as possible.
7. Place sprouter away from direct sunlight and in a warm environment.
8. Rinse and drain again Leeks take A LONG TIME to germinate. Continue rinsing and draining thoroughly, 2-3 times a day. You will be rinsing and draining this crop for 10-15 days. You should see some sprouting action in between 4 and 7 days. Don't give up - EVER - they will sprout!
9. Greening - Once you see sprouting, Relocate your sprouts - if necessary. If you've been keeping them away from light for some reason, move them. Avoid direct sun - it can cook your sprouts. Indirect sunlight is best but virtually any light will do.
10. Continue to rinse and drain 2-3 times per day with room temperature water.
11. Sprouts will be ready between days 10 and 15. The majority of sprouts will have long thin micro-onions, which will be green if you exposed them to light. You can eat them at any length but if you let them get to an inch or more the seed itself will be more tender.

Leek sprouts can not be De-Hulled like some crops, but you can use a dehuller or a salad spinner after the final rinse. Doing so will allow the seeds that have fallen off the sprouts, to fall to the bottom - and hopefully, through the device's mesh, as well as allowing you to go directly to refrigeration with your crop - after spinning it dry. If you are not using such a device... Your sprouts are done 8-12 hours after your final rinse. After the final rinse, you need to drain very thoroughly and let the sprouts dry a bit. If we minimise the surface moisture of the sprouts they store much better in refrigeration, so let them sit for 8-12 hours.

Culture for Growing Leek as a Microgreen:

Sow 2-3 teaspoons of seed for a half seed tray on thoroughly moistened medium
Cover your crop with another tray - to keep light out and moisture in.
Keep your compost moist by watering lightly as needed. Don't drench!
Use Coconut Coir and you likely won't have to water at all after planting
When your plants have begun to show leaves, remove the cover and move your crop to a well-lit location.
Harvest when the leaves are open and 2cm - 7cm tall (day 5-14).
Cut just above the medium, with scissors or a sharp knife.

Did You Know?

We now stock growing essentials for Microgeen and Sprouting growers, you can find the full range HERE

Feeling daunted by the world of Microgreens and Sprouting and don't know where to start...then why not have a look at our starter kits for inspiration:

Microgreen Kit	Sprouting Kit

And don't forget to join our Microgreen Club and enjoy year-round benefits HERE