King Richard

King Richard is a refined early leek reselected to preserve its elegant, upright form, topped with medium green foliage above the shank. It develops extra-long white stems remarkably early in the season, producing full-sized, sleek and uniform stalks. Its white shank extends noticeably longer than in other leek varieties, and under favorable growing conditions the plant grows into an unusually elongated leek overall.

King Richard's shanks carry a mild, sweet onion-like flavor with a richer undertone, suited to fresh eating, salads, grilling, and sautéing. The stalks also hold up well in roasts, stuffings, soups, and stews, or served simply as a side dish on their own.

King Richard matures early, typically ready by late August, and remains harvestable in the garden through light frosts into fall before the heavier frosts of late October. It tolerates temperatures down to about 20°F, which allows an extended harvest window, and exposure to a few freezes is said to enhance its flavor. Its stems are long, thick, and sweet, and growers can sow it in early spring for a summer crop or again in fall for a second harvest.

King Richard is a leek variety of American origin.