Leek
الكراث · Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)
A leafy vegetable with a mild onion taste, eaten with meals. Grown in Al-Ahsa, Al-Qassim and Hail.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | الكراث |
|---|---|
| English name | Leek |
| Scientific name | Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group) |
| Family | Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) |
| Plant type | Leafy vegetable grown yearly |
| Height | 40 to 80 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
September to November
Harvest time
January to April
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Long green strap leaves and a white cylinder-shaped stem. It does not form a big bulb.
Where it grows
Grown in farms and home gardens.
Soil
Rich, moist soil. It handles light salt.
Water and irrigation
Regular watering.
Climate and light
Likes mild and cool weather.
Propagation
By seed or seedlings.
Benefits and uses
- Can be cut many times and regrows
- Rich in vitamins and fiber
- Eaten fresh or cooked
- Easy to grow at home
Drawbacks
- Strong smell
- Thrips attack it
- Needs steady moisture
Important notes
Wash it well because soil gets stuck between the leaves.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Allium ampeloprasum
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Allium ampeloprasum
- Wikipedia: Leek
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)