Producing Leek Bulbils for next year and problems with Barrels splitting

All the leeks that I have exhibited to date have now been re planted with the purpose of producing more bulbils or pips from the same stock for next year. The way that I do this is to cut through the barrel of the leek about six inches or so above the root plate and then remove the current roots as well as removing a few layer of flags from the barrel to reduce the diameter to match that of the root plate. The problem this year with the barrels splitting was undoubtedly of my own doing as I’m convinced that I collared them too high too early in the season. This meant that as the leek had to stretch upwards to try and get to the light whilst at the same time putting on more weight, something just had to give. As this was happening the leek had to abort some of the outer skins or flags.