Local Don Leek is an early-maturing bulb onion variety with a flat-round bulb shape and a weight ranging from 30 to 65 grams. Its dry scales are yellow, while the juicy ones are white; the flesh has a sharp taste. The plant is characterized by green leaves, with a height of 70 to 85 cm and the presence of 4-5 scapes. The bulbs have medium density and a thin stalk, which ensures good transportability and storability of the product.
The variety is distinguished by high yields, reaching from 146 to 320 centners per hectare or 1.4–3.2 kg per square meter. Don onion is resistant to adverse weather conditions, diseases, including downy mildew, and pests, making it a reliable choice for growing in various climatic zones, such as the Volga-Vyatka, Central, North Caucasus, Western Siberia, as well as in Ukraine and Moldova.
Cultivation is possible both in open and closed ground with sowing in March-April and harvesting in July-August. The recommended planting scheme is 27-30 cm between rows and 3-4 cm between plants, with a sowing depth of 2-3 cm. For obtaining a high yield, timely watering, fertilization, and soil loosening are important. The variety is suitable for growing as a bulb in selection culture and in two-year or three-year culture from sets, as well as for obtaining green tops.
