How to Grow Babington's Leek
Allium ampeloprasum var. babingtonii
Babington's leek is a true perennial allium that never needs to be dug up — once established, it produces harvestable leaves from spring through autumn for decades. Plant bulbils or divisions in autumn or spring. Harvest leaves like chives as needed, or cut plants back to 10 cm for a bigger harvest. Collect the aerial bulbils in late summer to propagate more plants or use them in cooking. Divide congested clumps every few years to maintain vigour.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a balanced fertiliser or compost in early spring as growth resumes. A light top-dressing of well-rotted compost in autumn also supports the plant through winter. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Watch For
- Leek rust
- Allium leaf miner
- Onion fly
- Slugs on young growth in spring
Companions
Brassicas, Carrots, Roses, Strawberries
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Babington's leek grows well in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates more shade than most alliums, making it useful for semi-shaded corners. Best leaf production in a sunny spot.
Watering
Moderate; water in dry spells
Water during prolonged dry periods in spring and summer. Once established, plants are reasonably drought tolerant. Avoid waterlogged soil which can cause root rot.
Fertilizing
Light spring feed; autumn compost mulch
Apply a balanced fertiliser or compost in spring as growth resumes. A light autumn mulch of well-rotted compost feeds the soil and protects crowns.
Pruning
Cut back dead leaves in autumn; divide every 3-4 years
Tidy plants by removing dead or yellowing leaves in autumn. Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in autumn or early spring to maintain vigour.
Spacing
30 cm apart in rows 40 cm apart
Space plants 30 cm apart in rows 40 cm apart. This is a permanent planting so correct spacing from the start is important as plants spread over time.
Growing Tips
Plant and leave — it's truly perennial
Unlike annual leeks, Babington's leek never needs lifting. Plant it once in a permanent bed and it will provide harvests for many years without replanting.
Collect and replant the bulbils
In late summer the flower stem bends over, signalling that the aerial bulbils are ready. Collect them and push them into soil 5 cm deep — they'll establish readily and are the main way to propagate more plants.
Harvest little and often
Cut individual leaves from the outside of the plant or clip the whole plant back to 10 cm. Regular harvesting keeps plants producing tender new growth throughout the season.
Divide every few years
When the clump becomes crowded, lift and divide in autumn or early spring. Replant divisions 30 cm apart. This maintains vigour and gives you more plants to spread around the garden.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 40 cm |
| Mature height | 120 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
True perennial that forms permanent clumps and produces aerial bulbils. Space generously as plants spread over time. Can be grown in the same bed indefinitely.
