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Growing Leeks

(allium porrum)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  S S P P P            

(Best months for planting Leeks in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 6 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-18 weeks.
  • Compatible with: Carrots
  • Almost ready to use
  • Leek

Your comments and tips

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08 Oct 12, Barb (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Stella, Leek seeds (like most in the onion family) take longer to germinate and appear than most other vegetables. Have patience and don't panic.
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15 Sep 12, aussiecuttlefish (Australia - temperate climate)
As with anything that is going to be in the soil for an extended length of time (4 - 5 months), soil preparation is essential. Dig your soil over to the depth of a spade or garden fork, incorporating plenty of organic/humus, Rapid Raiser (Pelletised Chicken Manure), water crystals and a good complete fertiliser. Water soil well, leave for a day and then lay your Leeks in a deep trench 200 - 250mm (8-10") deep. Run a slow hose over the root zone, so that the roots are just covered with soil. Mix "Seasol" seaweed extract into a watering can and apply at rate recommended on the bottle at time of planting. As the Leeks grow, slowly place soil over the base of the stem ( makes for a nice white leek) otherwise the stems will be green, and still edible. Fertilise with a good Liquid Fertiliser such as "Thrive" or "Miracle Grow." Leeks are gross feeders and like the soil to be moist all the time, they also like being planted into a clay loam soil. Enjoy!
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13 Mar 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What should I feed my leeks with ?
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07 Feb 12, Susan Johnson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How much root do you trim off before planting? How do you know when the leek is ready to harvest?
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15 Jan 12, Jo (Australia - temperate climate)
When can I plant parsnips in Perth? I sowed seeds in the garden in October and nothing came up!!
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14 Jan 12, Anna (Australia - temperate climate)
We have always grown leeks here (Central Coast hinterland) and they always take forever to grow to full size, they are not a plant for the impatient gardner!!!
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13 Jan 12, Narelle (Australia - temperate climate)
I grow leeks from seed, but they take sooooooooo long to get anywhere near a size I can use (about 9 months). Is this normal or is something the matter? Any advice on best conditions to grow leeks greatly appreciated.
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19 May 13, Mal (Australia - temperate climate)
This is normal. They can often be in the ground for up to a year. One to avoid if space is limited. Or if you are impatient!
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12 Nov 11, Fae (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are leeks edible when the seed head forms. Should I cut off the green stalks at ground level and let it reshoot for the next crop
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07 Dec 11, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
Too woody to eat by then .. I let them flower for the following year's seeds
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Post a question, comment or tip about Leeks

Wow! How time flies! My last post was July 18th and I said I would get back to you in Nov. with my leek progress. Well I blanched them with cane mulch as I said I would, and when they were about eight inches high I started blanching with shredded newspaper. (I have a shredder) Well the newspaper worked really well after the initial cane mulch. The leeks are now tall and strong but not thick enough for harvesting. So I have blanched twice with cane mulch, once when I first put the seedlings in and again about four weeks later, about four weeks after that I blanched with newspaper and again two weeks ago. Thanks for the info about the flowers, I hadn't thought that far ahead yet. I will get beck to you when I harvest my first leek. Cheers

- Yvonne


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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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