Leek 'Tornado' is a great one to have waiting in the garden as winter sets in. It produces long white shanks with a mild, tasty flavour, topped with strong green leaves, and has the cold tolerance to keep standing well as temperatures fall.
You don't have to wait months for the biggest leeks either. Pull some young for sweet, tender baby leeks that are delicious cooked whole, then leave the rest to grow on into substantial mature leeks for soups, pies, gratins and warming winter meals.
And because 'Tornado' stands well through winter, there's no rush to clear the crop. Leave mature plants in the ground where conditions allow and simply head outside and lift a fresh leek whenever you need one.
