Seems that I read somewhere that I should cut the top leaves of my Leeks back at some point in their growth--presumably so the energy of the Leek will go toward enlarging the bulb or root. Is that true? I need to know because in this case especially I want to measure twice before I even cut once!
Do I trim back my Leek plants?
I've come across this suggestion too. Sounds potty to me. The leaves are the plant's "factory" where nutrients are made. Certainly don't cut them off! I've never done it and I don't know any of my gardening friends who do, and we all grow excellent leeks.
Thanks for your input, Patgeorge. I thought the suggestion sounded a bit odd myself, hence my question about it. My Leeks are doing just fine and I'm going to leave well enough alone! Again, I appreciate your comments.
You are correct not to cut the leeks... but if/when they produce a flower stalk (which will eventually make seeds), you should cut those to keep them from robbing energy from the leek. After all, the purpose of any plant is to put its energy into making seed and multiply.
If they produce a flower stalk, you should have eaten them long ago! Actually, a long dry period can cause them to bolt.
Don't cut the flowerstalk, the whole plant will rot. I had a worker cut the flowers off our leeks that had not sold. Every single one she cut rotted within a week. The ones with flowers intact are still fine.
Must depend on climate? Mine never rotted.
Darius, that could be true. She is from Switzerland, she said they cut the flowers over there too.