95 days from direct sowing.

Much quicker to finish and more tender than the winter varieties, this leek from open-pollinated seed is Ia must-have for continuous harvests from midsummer through mid-fall. The mild flavor, uniform size, and super cold-hardiness of Hannibal are as appealing as its ability to hold well after harvest. And when you sow these seeds using seed tape, the growing's a snap!

Hannibal forms a thick white base and dark green leaves that can reach 24 inches high and spread 12 inches wide. However, don't wait for full size: this leek is tender and delicious any time after the diameter reaches ½ inches! It also holds very well after harvest, so you don't have to immediately eat or preserve the freshly dug plants.

Very uniform, vigorous, and cold-hardy, Hannibal is a nice complement to winter-grown varieties for mild climates. You can begin harvesting it in midsummer and continue through mid-fall in most areas. The flavor is mild and satisfying, and the yields are excellent.

Hannibal is easy to grow, and seed tapes make it even easier. The seeds are densely pressed between sheets of biodegradable tissue paper, so they don't wash away. As you water them, the paper dissolves, and the seeds sprout. Thin as needed, and make sure the soil is rich in nutrients; leek is a heavy feeder.

When it's time to harvest the leeks, bear in mind that the plants have grown very close together and the roots may be intertwined. Work the stem and root upwards with a fork and gently pat the soil back in place around plants you are NOT harvesting.

Leeks are delicious in so many dishes, and growing them is a snap. They make nice neighbors for your tomatoes, too! Give Hannibal a try this season. Contains 15 feet of seed tape.