Growing Leeks

allium porrum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S                  
        T              
      P P     P P      

(Best months for growing Leeks in USA - Zone 7a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 20 cm apart
  • Harvest in 15-18 weeks. Loosen with a fork rather than pull by hand..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots

Your comments and tips

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19 Mar 22, Dionne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We grown American Flag with great success. We mostly direct seed and sometimes transplant. We always broadfork a bed before planting and add a little ag lime (especially pre-seeding with alliums). We don't let them get gigantic like you see in the shop. You can, but that requires transplanting into a small trench and then hilling up to blanche. We find the bunches of baby leeks just as popular as the large ones. Leeks with asparagus are so wonderful on pizza with a good French sorrel and parsley pesto base! Leeks can handle more water than you realise.
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06 Dec 20, Terry Shannon (Australia - temperate climate)
My Welsh Wonder leeks are always skinny looking things..an occasional .two-finger thickness is the best we ever get. I fertilize them and they get plenty of water and are in sandy neutral soil We look at the produce in the stores and despair :-( I shall appreciate any suggestions Cheerio.. terry
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07 Dec 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
I would suggest an autumn planting. Maybe build your soil up with compost and manures 2-3 mths before planting. Make sure it is all rotted into the soil by plant time. Hard to beat the commercial people, they are spot on with fertiliser requirements and watering. We kind of half guess it.
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19 Nov 20, Sheryl Gordon (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can I direct seed outdoors in flats in November after it cools down? I don’t have space indoors to start seeds.
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23 Nov 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Read the planting guide for growing leeks in your zone. It is the monthly calendar at the top of the page.
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24 Sep 20, Tshidiso (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
What are part consumes of leak regarding flower,Leaf and bulb??
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27 Sep 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Read the notes here, down the bottom of the page.
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15 Jun 20, Delene Bezuidenhout (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy leek plants? When is the best time to plant them in Johannesburg?
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16 Jun 20, Anon (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
You plant by seed. Work out your Climate Zone from the BLUE TAB at the top of the page. Then see when you plant for that climate zone. The monthly calendar at the top page tells you when to plant.
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12 Jun 20, Yvon Bourque (Canada - Zone 7a Mild Temperate climate)
Plants are being eaten by tiny white worms. Solution please??
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Showing 11 - 20 of 140 comments
See comments for all plants

It means to exclude light from the stem. That is what creates the white, tightly packed section of the leek, which is the bit we like to cook with. There are two main ways to achieve this: 1. As the plant grows, pack soil around the stem; or 2. Plant seeds or seedlings in a trench (about 10cm deep) and as the plant grows fill in the trench. Hope this helps.

- Andrew

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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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