Regrowing leeks from their discarded root base is a popular and rewarding practice that transforms kitchen scraps into a renewed source of food. This method utilizes the remaining energy and meristematic tissue in the base to produce new green shoots. It is an environmentally friendly gardening technique that quickly provides a fresh, second harvest without the long process of growing from seed. The entire cycle, from initial water rooting to full soil growth, is straightforward and accessible for both seasoned gardeners and beginners.
Preparing the Root Base for Regrowth
Successful regrowth begins with a precise cut on the white section of the leek, which is the stem tissue. Leave one to two inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of the white base attached to the roots, ensuring the root mass remains intact. This remaining stub contains the necessary growth cells for regeneration. Selecting a base with healthy, fibrous roots offers the best chance for a vigorous new plant.
The initial vessel should be small enough to support the base upright, such as a small mason jar or a shallow dish. Use a clean, sharp knife to make a straight, smooth slice to minimize damage and prevent the introduction of bacteria.
Starting the Leeks in Water
Once the base is prepared, place it root-side down in the container. Add just enough fresh water to submerge the root end, typically less than one inch. The goal is to keep the roots wet without soaking the entire cut surface, which could encourage rot. Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight for approximately six to eight hours daily, like a sunny kitchen windowsill.
New green shoots and small white roots usually begin to appear within a few days. Change the water every two to three days to keep it fresh and prevent the anaerobic conditions that promote mold or bacterial growth. After one to two weeks, when the leek has developed a few inches of new growth and a strong network of fresh roots, it will be ready to transition to soil.
Transplanting and Ongoing Soil Care
Transplanting the rooted leek into a permanent medium allows for maximum yield and sustained growth. The leek should be moved to a pot or garden bed once it has significant new root development. Leeks prefer deep, fertile, and well-draining soil, ideally amended with organic matter or a complete fertilizer, as they are heavy feeders.
When planting, create a deep hole or trench. Ensure the roots and the white base are covered, leaving only the newly sprouted green tips exposed above the soil line. Leeks have relatively shallow root systems and produce their best yields with consistent moisture, requiring about one inch of water per week. The plants need full sunlight, ideally eight or more hours per day, to support the development of thick, healthy stalks.
To achieve the long, white shaft, perform a process called “hilling” or blanching as the leek grows. This involves gradually mounding soil or mulch around the stem, covering the white part and excluding light. Hilling should be done several times during the growing season, which encourages the stem to elongate while keeping the covered portion tender and pale.
Harvesting and Sustaining the Crop
The technique for harvesting a regrown leek is to employ the “cut and come again” method, which preserves the root base for future use. Instead of pulling the entire plant, use a sharp knife to cut the green stalks approximately one inch above the white base. This action leaves the meristematic center intact, allowing the plant to regenerate new foliage.
This method can be repeated several times, yielding multiple small harvests of fresh leek greens. Subsequent regrowths will not produce stalks as large as the original leek grown from seed, and the plant’s vigor will diminish over time. After three or four cuts, the flavor and growth rate often decrease significantly, signaling that the root’s stored energy is depleted.