Growing Leeks

allium porrum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

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

(Best months for growing Leeks in USA - Zone 5a 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 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 8 inches 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

12 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Read the notes here - it is all there. I'd suggest you plant them in Autumn and pick them about 5 mths later.
10 Sep 18, Gail (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When do I plant leeks on the mid North coast?
25 Sep 18, Graham (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted leeks in April at wauchope on the mid north coast and they were slow at first but have done very well since. We had plenty of frosts in July and August however this didn’t seem to effect them.
11 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go back to the leek page, set your climate to sub tropical - then look at the year monthly calendar - S plant seeds - T transplant seedlings.
17 Nov 17, Norma (Australia - temperate climate)
I am just starting to harvest my leeks and I notice there are little baby leek shoots at the base of the leek. Will these grow into proper leeks? I have been putting the whole base of the old leek back into the ground and the tiny shoot grows very quickly but I am not sure if it will be a proper new leek.
20 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I know nothing about growing leeks. If you can keep some roots with the little shoots then they should grow. It is now plant time for leeks. Or put the little shoots in water and see if they start producing roots and then plant out. The old plant should grow. Google it - growing from old plants - leeks carrots etc. .
28 Oct 17, Jason (Australia - temperate climate)
G,day gardeners, I was given a bunch of small leeks about 6 months ago which was mid winter here in South Australia. I didn't know anything about leeks so I just separated them and planted in a small ditch. They are now 2 to 3 feet tall and have shot a tall stem up with a bulb on the top of it. I have tried to find out when to harvest them but can't find any clear instructions on this. My question is, does the appearance of this bulb mean they are turning to seed ? Do I need to pull them now or can I leave them growing ? Any info would be appreciated, thank you.
30 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
"When leeks have gone to seed, they become tough and inedible. Below you will find some tips on stopping the leek flowering or bolting. Why a Leek Plant Flowers and Bolts. When many plants bolt or go to seed, like broccoli or basil, it is due to warm temperatures. With leeks, it’s different. When leeks go to seed, it is normally due to being exposed to optimal temperatures followed by cold temperatures. In other words, a leek flowering is due to cold weather, not warm weather. When a leek flowers, it causes the neck or lower stem of the leek to become woody and tough and the leek will become bitter. While you can technically still eat leeks are gone to seed, you probably won’t like the flavor". Leeks take about 100-120 days to grow - so if you planted in mid winter (July 14th) it is now 3 1/2 mths - 100+ days - suggestion, pull them out if they look nice and tender - if looking woody, you have left it too late.
08 Jun 17, Shane Cave (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live on a sand dune but with raised vegetable beds with added topsoil and lots of home made compost - made from kitchen and varied garden waste - but my leeks wont thicken. How can I get better leeks?
09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Leeks prefer a moist clay type soil. I suggest you keep building your soil up with heavier soil, if you can get it, and plant your leeks closer together, making the most of smaller leeks in the meantime. Maybe leaving them in the ground a bit longer will help them to thicken.
Showing 41 - 50 of 140 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Leeks

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.