Tadorna

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

Sweetly mild and richly aromatic, Tadorna leeks develop tender, deeply layered stalks with a clean, buttery bite.

The pale shafts are smooth and firm, building a satisfying crunch that stays graceful through cool-season growth. Ideal for roasting, braising, and silky sauces, Tadorna is a garden favorite for slow, warming flavors and elegant, long-season harvests.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 110 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Aug 6th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Tadorna leeks lean sweet and aromatic with stalks that stay composed—great for cooking methods that demand both silkiness and a clean, buttery bite. Use them to anchor creamy sauces or slow-braised dishes where the layered structure can melt into smooth flavor instead of turning stringy.

Best Uses

slow braises where the layers turn silky without getting woolly
roasting—whole or thick-sliced—for caramelized edges and a juicy core
velvety leek-and-cream style sauces (or blended soups)
quick sauté to preserve a crisp, pale-stalk bite

Flavor Profile

sweetly mild allium sweetness deep, aromatic leek fragrance clean buttery bite with a tender crunch silky when cooked down

Kitchen Pairings

butter heavy cream white wine thyme garlic chicken stock

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Allium porrum (leek) in home gardens, and how do I control it?

Leeks commonly suffer from onion/garlic-like pests such as leek moth (and sometimes maggots) that tunnel in leaves and weaken plants. Check plants weekly and remove infested leaves early; use fine row cover over transplants/young leeks to block egg-laying, and remove badly damaged plants to prevent spread.

How often should I water Allium porrum during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level do they need?

During the main growth period (after establishment until bulking), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply rather than lightly, and avoid letting the soil swing from dry to waterlogged because leeks grow poorly and can split or become less robust.

How can I tell when Allium porrum (leeks) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach the expected size and the edible “white shank” is thick enough for your preference, typically around 110 days after sowing/transplanting. A good home signal is firm, well-blanched stems with leaves that are no longer rapidly expanding; lift with a fork before heavy cold, especially if you see yellowing or lodging.