Leek Question - Trim seedlings or not?

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GoDawgs
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Leek Question - Trim seedlings or not?

#1

Post: # 144065Unread post GoDawgs
Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:33 am

I can't remember if in previous plantings I trimmed the leek seedling tops and roots a bit before planting. I do that with scallions and have good results. Yesterday I did some online research about this and it seems some say yes to trimming and some say not to. So I did trim the roots just a little before planting yesterday but left the 7-9" tops alone. If I need to trim the tops a little I can still do that.

What say you leek growers??

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bower
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Re: Leek Question - Trim seedlings or not?

#2

Post: # 144070Unread post bower
Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:04 am

We treat leeks the same as green onions or onions from seed - trim repeatedly to thicken up the stems and a light trim at planting time.
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Tormato
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Re: Leek Question - Trim seedlings or not?

#3

Post: # 144074Unread post Tormato
Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:31 am

I've just learned about trimming indoor allium starts. Perhaps never trimming them has contributed to many of my transplants dying.

My recommendation is to trim some and not trim others, and see if there is a measurable difference in how both types of transplants grow in your conditions.

The only thing I've ever trimmed is last year's late summer transplanted store bought leeks and Sweet Garleek plants. After new leaf growth started, I trimmed off the already partially trimmed large ratty-looking leaves. In a couple of months, I'll know if they survived the winter. Of course, with scallions, Egyptian Walking onions , etc.. the trimming is all spring, summer and fall long.

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pepperhead212
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Re: Leek Question - Trim seedlings or not?

#4

Post: # 144114Unread post pepperhead212
Sat Feb 01, 2025 5:53 pm

I would also trim them, as I would with scallions.
Woodbury, NJ zone 7a/7b

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PlainJane
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Re: Leek Question - Trim seedlings or not?

#5

Post: # 144137Unread post PlainJane
Sun Feb 02, 2025 6:36 am

I usually trim.
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wodehouse
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Re: Leek Question - Trim seedlings or not?

#6

Post: # 144155Unread post wodehouse
Sun Feb 02, 2025 12:28 pm

Seedlings get too tall and floppy in their trays if you don't trim...just grab a scissors and give them a haircut from time to time.

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GoDawgs
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Re: Leek Question - Trim seedlings or not?

#7

Post: # 144170Unread post GoDawgs
Sun Feb 02, 2025 2:20 pm

Thanks for all the input. Since I posted I came across a photo of a light shelf with seedlings on it. I think I saw some leeks and scallions on the shelf and both are trimmed. And both grew well. I think I'll go out and give them a light haircut.

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