Puerro
Allium ampeloprasum
De un vistazo
Una verdura de clima fresco con sabor suce y similar a la cebolla. El puerro es resistente al invierno y puede cosecharse hasta el invierno.
Calendario de plantación y cosecha
Etapas de crecimiento
De la semilla a la cosecha
Siembra inicial
Las semillas germinan lentamente en un sustrato de siembra cálido y húmedo. Brotan tallos finos, parecidos a la hierba, como una sola hoja en forma de bucle que se endereza a lo largo de varios días. Las semillas de puerro requieren paciencia: germinan más despacio que la mayoría de las hortalizas.
💡 Consejo de cuidado
Mantén 18-24°C (65-75°F) con una esterilla térmica. Mantén la superficie constantemente húmeda, pero no encharcada. Proporciona 14-16 horas diarias de luz de cultivo una vez que emerjan los brotes.
Leek seedlings ready for transplanting after 10-12 weeks
Calendario de cuidado mensual
Qué hacer cada mes para tu Puerro
Mayo
Mes actualLeeks are established and growing steadily. Begin regular feeding every 3-4 weeks with nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Maintain consistent watering at 2.5 cm per week. Start the first light hilling of soil around stems to begin blanching.
¿Sabías que?
Datos fascinantes sobre Puerro
The leek is the national emblem of Wales, worn on St. David's Day (March 1st) since the 7th century. Legend says Welsh soldiers wore leeks in their caps to distinguish themselves from Saxon enemies in battle.
Siembre puerro en interiores 8-10 semanas antes de la última helada. Plante 15 cm de profundidad y aporique para tallos blancos más largos.
Mantenga humedad constante. El aporque promueve el blanqueo.
Hilling soil around leeks to blanch the white shaft
The leek traces its origins to the wild species Allium ampeloprasum, native to the Mediterranean basin and parts of the Middle East. Ancient Egyptians cultivated leeks extensively — they appear in tomb paintings and were part of the rations fed to the workers who built the pyramids. Leeks were so valued in ancient Egypt that they were included among the foods the Israelites lamented losing during the Exodus, according to the Book of Numbers.
The Romans elevated the leek to near-mythical status. Emperor Nero consumed them regularly in oil, believing they strengthened his vocal cords for public oratory and singing. Roman legions carried leeks across Europe during their conquests, establishing the vegetable throughout the continent. The leek became deeply entwined with Welsh identity — according to legend, St. David ordered Welsh soldiers to wear leeks in their helmets during a 7th-century battle against the Saxons so they could distinguish friend from foe in the chaos of combat.
Throughout the medieval period, leeks were a staple food across northern Europe, valued for their ability to produce food in cold weather when little else grew. They became particularly important in Scottish, Welsh, and French cuisines, forming the basis of peasant soups and stews that remain beloved today. The giant leek-growing tradition in northeast England dates back to the 19th century and continues as a fiercely competitive hobby. Today, leeks are grown worldwide and remain especially popular in European cuisines, prized for their subtle elegance that sets them apart from their more pungent allium relatives.
Siembre en interiores 8-10 semanas antes de la última helada. Plante profundo.
Suelo rico en nutrientes con pH 6,0-7,0. Incorpore compost.
Verifica Tu Zona
Verifica si Puerro es adecuado para tu ubicación.
7°C – 24°C
45°F – 75°F
Leeks prefer cool to moderate conditions and are remarkably cold-hardy. They grow best at 13-18°C (55-65°F) and tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) in the ground. Growth slows above 25°C (77°F) but leeks do not bolt from heat alone. They require a vernalization period of cold followed by warming to trigger flowering, which is why spring-planted leeks rarely bolt.
Problemas comunes que afectan a Puerro y cómo prevenirlos y tratarlos de forma orgánica.
Tallos blancos cortos por aporque insuficiente.
Zanahorias y apio son buenos compañeros.
- 1Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last frost — this is non-negotiable for full-size leeks. Every week of delay costs you shaft diameter at harvest. Mark the seed-starting date on your calendar in January.
- 2Use the dibber method for the easiest transplanting: poke 15 cm deep holes, drop seedlings in, and water gently. Do not backfill — the soil fills in naturally over time and blanches the shaft without any hilling effort.
- 3Trim seedling tops to 10 cm whenever they flop over. This haircut feels aggressive but is essential — it produces thicker, sturdier stems and stronger root systems that translate directly into bigger leeks at harvest.
- 4Feed heavily and consistently throughout the season. Leeks are nitrogen-hungry for their entire 100-150 day growth cycle. Side-dress every 3-4 weeks with blood meal, fish emulsion, or compost tea. Pale or yellowish leaves signal immediate need for nitrogen.
- 5Hill soil around the stems gradually throughout the growing season to blanch the shaft and produce more usable white portion. Each hilling session should add 3-5 cm of soil. Use mulch if you want to avoid getting soil between the leaf layers.
- 6Water consistently at 2.5 cm per week — leeks need steady moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Mulch heavily with straw to retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds that compete for nutrients.
- 7Leave leeks in the ground after the first frost — cold exposure converts starches to sugars and dramatically improves flavor. Mulch with 15-20 cm of straw for winter harvesting. In zones 5+, leeks can overwinter in the ground.
- 8Plant leeks next to carrots for one of the best companion pairings in the garden. Leek scent repels carrot rust fly, while carrot scent repels leek moth. Avoid planting near peas and beans, as allium sulfur compounds inhibit nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Coseche puerros cuando los tallos tienen 2-3 cm de grosor. Puede quedarse en el suelo y cosecharse según necesidad.
Harvest leeks by loosening soil with a fork before pulling
Dura 2-3 semanas en refrigerador. Puede congelarse.
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Información nutricional
Por porción de 100g
61
Calorías
Beneficios para la salud
- Excellent source of Vitamin A (as beta-carotene), supporting eye health and immune function — one cup provides over 30% of daily needs
- Good source of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism — one cup provides about 42% of daily needs
- Contains Vitamin C for immune support and collagen production
- Rich in folate (Vitamin B9), critical for cell division and especially important during pregnancy
- Provides prebiotic fiber (inulin) that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports digestive health
- Contains kaempferol and other flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
💰 ¿Por qué cultivar tus propios?
A packet of 200+ leek seeds costs $3-5 and can produce over $80 worth of organic leeks at grocery store prices of $3-4 per pound. Leeks are one of the most expensive alliums to buy, especially organic ones, making them an excellent value crop for home gardeners. Their long harvest season from September through March provides fresh produce during the most expensive months for store-bought vegetables.
Recetas rápidas
Recetas sencillas con Puerro frescos
Classic Vichyssoise
45 minThe quintessential leek dish — a velvety chilled soup of leeks and potatoes that showcases the vegetable's delicate flavor. Equally delicious served warm as a comforting potato leek soup in winter.
Grilled Baby Leeks with Romesco
25 minInspired by the Catalan calçotada tradition, baby leeks are charred whole until smoky and tender, then served with a rich romesco dipping sauce. A stunning appetizer that celebrates the leek in its simplest form.
Leek and Gruyere Tart
55 minA savory French-style tart with buttery pastry cradling sweet, caramelized leeks and nutty melted Gruyere. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner with a green salad alongside.
Classic vichyssoise — the quintessential leek dish
Calculadora de Rendimiento y Espaciado
Vea cuántas plantas de Puerro caben en su cama de jardín basándose en el espaciado recomendado de 15cm.
64
Puerro plantas en una cama de 4×4 ft
8 columnas × 8 filas a 15cm de espaciado
Variedades populares
Algunas de las variedades de puerro más populares para jardineros caseros, cada una con características únicas.
King Richard
Variedad temprana con tallos largos y delgados. 75 días.
Giant Musselburgh
Variedad resistente al invierno con tallos gruesos. 105 días.
En sopas, guisos, salteados o quiches.
¿Cuándo debo plantar Puerro?
Planta Puerro en Marzo, Abril. Toma aproximadamente 120 días para madurar, con cosecha típicamente en Septiembre, Octubre, Noviembre, Diciembre.
¿Cuáles son buenas plantas acompañantes para Puerro?
Puerro crece bien junto a Zanahoria, Apio, Cebolla. El cultivo acompañante puede mejorar el crecimiento, sabor y control natural de plagas.
¿En qué zonas de rusticidad puede crecer Puerro?
Puerro prospera en zonas de rusticidad USDA 3 a 10. Con protección de invernadero, puede cultivarse en zonas 1 a 11.
¿Cuánto sol necesita Puerro?
Puerro requiere Sol completo (6-8h+). Esto significa al menos 6-8 horas de luz solar directa diaria.
¿A qué distancia debo espaciar Puerro?
Espacia las plantas de Puerro a 15cm (6 pulgadas) para crecimiento óptimo y circulación de aire.
¿Qué plagas y enfermedades afectan a Puerro?
Los problemas comunes incluyen Polilla del puerro. La prevención a través de buenas prácticas de jardinería como rotación de cultivos, espaciado adecuado y cultivo acompañante es el mejor enfoque. Consulta la sección de plagas y enfermedades para más detalles.
¿Cómo almaceno Puerro después de la cosecha?
Dura 2-3 semanas en refrigerador. Puede congelarse.
¿Cuáles son las mejores variedades de Puerro para cultivar?
Las variedades populares incluyen King Richard, Giant Musselburgh. Cada una tiene características únicas adaptadas a diferentes condiciones de cultivo y preferencias culinarias. Consulta la sección de variedades para descripciones detalladas.
¿Qué suelo necesita Puerro?
Suelo rico en nutrientes con pH 6,0-7,0. Incorpore compost.
Why are my leeks so thin and skinny?
Thin leeks are almost always caused by one of three things: starting seeds too late (they need 10-12 weeks indoors before transplanting), insufficient nitrogen feeding throughout their long season, or overcrowding. Space leeks at least 15 cm apart, feed every 3-4 weeks with nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and start seeds as early as January-February indoors for the thickest possible shafts.
How do I get more white shaft on my leeks?
The white portion is created by excluding light from the stem — a process called blanching. The traditional dibber method (planting in 15 cm deep holes) provides automatic blanching. Alternatively, gradually hill soil or mulch around the stems every 2-3 weeks as the plants grow. The more you hill, the longer the white shaft. Using toilet paper tubes or cardboard collars around the stems also works.
Can leeks survive winter in the ground?
Yes — leeks are one of the hardiest vegetables, surviving temperatures down to -10°C (14°F) without protection. In zones 5 and above, apply 15-20 cm of straw or leaf mulch before the ground freezes and harvest throughout winter. In zones 3-4, heavy mulching extends the harvest season but very deep freezes may eventually damage the plants. Flavor actually improves after frost exposure.
How do I clean soil from between the leaf layers?
Slice the leek lengthwise from the dark green top down through the white shaft and fan the layers open under cold running water. Soil hides between the tightly wrapped leaves in surprising quantities. For recipes using sliced rings, cut the leek into rounds first, then soak in a bowl of cold water — soil sinks to the bottom while the leek rings float.
My leek is sending up a flower stalk — can I still eat it?
Once a leek bolts, the central core becomes woody and inedible, but you can still use the outer layers. Peel away the tough central stalk and use the remaining tender layers for cooking. To prevent bolting, avoid transplanting too early in cold weather (vernalization triggers flowering) and choose bolt-resistant varieties like Bandit or Tadorna for early spring planting.
Can I grow leeks in containers?
Yes, but choose a deep container (at least 30 cm / 12 inches deep) to allow proper root development and blanching depth. Use a rich potting mix and feed regularly, as container-grown plants exhaust nutrients faster. Plant 5-7 leeks per 30 cm wide pot. Baby leek varieties like Lancelot are best suited to containers since they mature at a smaller size.
¿Listo para cultivar Puerro?
Añade Puerro a tu plan de jardín y comienza a diseñar tu diseño perfecto.
Vladimir Kusnezow
Jardinero y desarrollador de software
Jardinero de zona 6b. Cultivo hortalizas y frutas en tierra e hidroponía desde hace 6 años. Creé PlotMyGarden para planificar mis propios jardines.
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