Holly's Homestead — Perennial Vegetable
Perennial Leek
Allium ampeloprasum var. babingtonii · Onion family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Perennial, from bulbils/divisions
MATURITY Usable within a season, ongoing after
TYPE Perennial, from bulbils/divisions
MATURITY Usable within a season, ongoing after
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
20–30cm
Depth
as per bulbil
01Plant once, harvest for years
Also called walking onion or Babington's leek, this perennial produces clumps of bulbils that can be replanted or left to multiply the bed on their own year after year.
02Planting
Method
Plant bulbils or divisions from an established clump.
Soil
Rich, well-drained.
Timing
Plant in autumn or spring.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Water regularly, especially while establishing.
- Divide clumps every couple of years to keep vigour up.
- Harvest outer stems, leaving the clump to regrow.
- Feed with compost annually.
04Problems
- Rust — orange leaf spotting; improve airflow.
- Very few other issues — a low-maintenance perennial.
- Overcrowding — divide clumps periodically.
- Onion thrips — occasional; hose off.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Usable stems from spring through much of the year.
Method
Cut or pull outer stems, leaving the clump intact.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge, up to a couple of weeks.
Preserving
See Freezing Produce (freezing a harvest surplus) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CarrotBeetrootAvoid nearby
BeansPeasRotation note
Not applicable — permanent perennial bed.
