Babbington’s leeks (Latin name - Allium ampeloprasum babbingtonii ) are an interesting perennial vegetable.
The leek leaves grow from bulbs in January until the leaves die down in late summer. The bulbs multiply, causing the clump to spread. The bulbs come up year after year making this a perennial vegetable which needs a permanent site.
BulbsBabingtonLeeks
But the peculiarity of Babbington’s leeks is that when they push up a flower stalk in late summer, bulbils develop on the flower head. These bulbils drop off onto the ground and grow into bulbs.
BabingtonLeeks
The photo of the flower head shows the light green bulbils.
Babbington’s leeks are useful in the kitchen because the green leaves can be cut in January.
The leaves may be eaten:
- raw when young – in salads
- boiled (long & slow) when mature – as they become quite fibrous
The bulbs & bulbils:
- are eaten as a substitute for garlic
- may be eaten raw or cooked
- the bulbs are hotter
Kevin in Cornwall has kindly sent us both bulbs and bulbils of Babbington’s leeks. We have planted some out into well drained soil in a sunny spot. But have also planted some in pots and will plant these out when conditions allow in the spring.
He says “It may be a couple of seasons before the Babbington’s Leeks produce flower heads, when bulbs will be big enough for garlic, and bulbils to start again”.
