Allium porrum 'St Victor D'Hiver' is a winter leek variety from Europe with distinctive bluish-green foliage that develops purplish-violet tones in cold temperatures, making it visually striking and highly frost-resistant. This heirloom variety germinates readily without special pre-treatment and produces seedlings within 1-3 weeks when maintained at moderate warmth. It is an excellent choice for cool-season growers seeking a hardy, flavorful leek for autumn and winter harvests.
Before sowing
No pre-treatment needed — sow directly.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last spring frost; optimal germination occurs at 70-75°F (21-24°C) but seeds tolerate wider temperature ranges (45-90°F). Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination. Once seedlings emerge, move to bright light and reduce temperature to 55-65°F for stocky growth. Use seed-starting mix or fine potting soil and cover seeds lightly with ¼ inch of soil. Transplant when seedlings are pencil-thick (6-8 inches tall). Fresh seed germinates better than old stock; store in cool, dry conditions.
Sources: GardenFocused.co.uk, Bumbleseeds.com, MSU Extension, Master Gardener Association of San Diego County, West Coast Seeds, Quinta dos Ouriques, High Mowing Organic Seeds
