Goliath RZ

Field experience with Goliath RZ leek

When it comes to securing a reliable yield of leeks, Rijk Zwaan's "Goliath RZ" consistently ranks among the top choices for commercial growers. From a practical standpoint, this hybrid is forgiving of minor agronomic errors, which is a major advantage when managing larger plots. It is not the type of crop that requires excessive maintenance, but with proper planting patterns, it delivers highly predictable results.

Field performance

The first thing you notice during harvest is the plant habit. Goliath develops a robust, long white shank that cleans easily from the soil. Since this variety is designed for manual harvesting, it is crucial that the plant maintains a firm structure without snapping during pull-out. The hybrid excels here: the leaves are sturdy and do not tear easily, which minimizes culling during the post-harvest preparation stage.

• Growth cycle: Allows for efficient planning of sequential harvesting.
• Stress tolerance: Highly resilient to temperature fluctuations and shows good resistance to bolting during cool spells.
• Culinary quality: Being a salad-type leek, it offers a mild, juicy flavor profile without excessive pungency, ensuring high demand on the fresh market.

Handling and Logistics

In terms of marketability, Goliath is a true workhorse. The white shaft is long and dense, making it perfect for standard bunching without quality loss. Proper temperature control during storage is key, as salad-type leeks require cool conditions to maintain leaf turgor. When transported correctly, the produce retains its presentation, resists wilting, and maintains its weight, which directly improves your profit margins per hectare.