As its names suggests, it has rather fewer flowers than one might expect from such a vigorous plant, but it makes up for this by producing lots of bulbils which are good to eat in similar way to wild garlic seeds. Although there are types of flower bulbs you can eat, always, always, always check with a professional first. [35], Chives have been cultivated in Europe since the Middle Ages (from the fifth until the 15th centuries), although their usage dates back 5,000 years. Complete harvesting in spring before the leek plant sends up a flower stalk. Resembling asparagus in flavor, they are versatile and delicious. The flowers are pale purple, and star-shaped with six petals, 1–2 cm (1⁄2–3⁄4 in) wide, and produced in a dense inflorescence of 10-30 together; before opening, the inflorescence is surrounded by a papery bract. Edible Acres is a permaculture nursery and food forest farm located in Trumansburg, NY. A. They can also be planted under a cloche or germinated indoors in cooler climates, then planted out later. The first thing to do to stop bolting leeks is to plant at the right time. Your local cooperative extension office is a good place to start. The stems are ribbed and may become hairless as they age. The white, onion-like bulb and light green shanks are commonly used in cooking, but the whole leaf and flower are also edible. All of the plant is edible. Leek leaves are edible, but are tough and chewy. Johnny’s offers organic Chinese leek seed varieties selected for ornamental and culinary use. When Do Leeks Flower? [6][7][8][9][10][11], A. schoenoprasum is the only species of Allium native to both the New and the Old Worlds. Plant in tilled rows or in a raised bed. When many plants bolt or go to seed, like broccoli or basil, it is due to warm temperatures. Chinese leeks, also known as garlic chives or Chinese chives, impart mild garlic flavor to dishes. The seeds are produced in a small, three-valved capsule, maturing in summer. If you don’t want your leeks … The plants become tougher once the flower stalks form. doustpauline of > \whatwhenwhere/