Babington's Leek Bulbils

Babington's Leek Bulbils - Allium ampeloprasum var Babingtonii

Allium ampeloprasum var Babingtonii

Hardy to Zone 6b
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Germination Tested N/A

5-50 bulbils per packet

$9.00 CAD

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Babington's Leek are a tasty and easy to grow perennial vegetable providing slender leeks with a hint of garlicky flavour. They are an excellent cut-and-come-again veggie for a semi-wild food forest edge, or as a companion plant between other vegetables. Harvest the leeks by cutting them off at the soil line in spring to early summer and baby leeks will resprout from the base. Note that these leeks will go dormant in the summer and appear to be dead, but they will resprout when the fall rains return.

The scapes can be eaten before they open and form bulbils as well, but the bulbils are so whimsical when they bloom, it's worth leaving a few! The bulbils can be replanted or even pickled. Sometimes the bulbils will not form until the second year. They are kind of like the leek version of Egyptian Walking Onions!

These bulbils are quite a bit smaller than Egyptian Onions, but each bulb will grow into a full-sized leek. Plants can be propagated either by bulbils, or by the underground bulbs, which multiply into several offsets per plant. These offsets can be dug up when dormant and spaced out/planted elsewhere.

Bulbils can be planted anytime from fall to early spring, either direct sown or planted in pots and carefully transplanted. Sow about 1/2 inch deep, 3-6 inches apart. These leeks tolerate a range of soil conditions.

Babington's Leeks are probably native to the British Isles and are quite rare in North America. They should be hardy to zone 6b. They have survived in our garden down to -15C no problem.

US or international orders will receive smaller bulbils due to shipping restrictions.

Growing Instructions

Bulbils are best planted in the fall before the soil is consistently frozen. If you live in a mild area, you may be able to plant almost throughout the winter. If you live in a very cold climate, you can try waiting until spring, and keep the bulbils in a dark, dry place with good airflow. Keep an eye on them, and if they start to go bad or sprout a lot, try planting them in a pot inside, and transplant them outside in spring. Some people say to keep the bulbils in the fridge, so do your own research on what you feel is best. I've had bulbils last at room temperature for a year just fine, but your conditions may be different than mine.

Bulbils can be planted about 2-3 inches apart or farther if you've got the room. They will multiply from the base over time, as well as by fallen bulbils, but they don't mind being crowded. Smaller bulbs can be planted closer together and larger ones given more space.

It can be tricky to know which way is up for Babington’s Leek bulbils. The root end (bottom) will usually be more slender, with a tiny flattened spot or hole from where it broke off the mother plant that is tan brown in colour. The growing end (top) is usually more rounded, but comes to a point. See the last variety photo for examples. If you’re unsure which way is up, plant the bulbils on their side and they will figure it out!

The bulbils will send out roots and little green leaves that look like green onions. The base will swell a little into a slender bulb, and the leaves will get taller. In the summer they will grow stronger stalks that grow bulbils on the ends. If left alone, the stalks with bulbils will fall over and likely sprout if the soil is moist- or you can cut the bulbils off once their stalk starts to die back and plant them elsewhere.

Shipping & Returns

We ship seeds within Canada for a flat fee of $6, United States for $10, and internationally for $20*. Live plants and large bulbs can only be shipped within Canada.

Any shipping overages will be refunded.

Shipping in Canada

We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order. Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.

Shipping to the US

We ship all US orders via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive.

In our experience shipping seeds over several years, most small orders will make it across the border without issues, but occasionally they will be held at US Customs.

It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that seeds or bulbils are allowed to be sent to your region. We are not able to replace packages that are confiscated or destroyed by customs in your country.

Shipping Internationally

International orders are usually shipped via untracked packet. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held of confiscated by customs.

International shipping countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom

If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.

*Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars.