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

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!
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
07 Dec 11, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
Too woody to eat by then .. I let them flower for the following year's seeds
03 Mar 12, The Micro Gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I cut off all leeks (shallots too) just above the base with a sharp knife when harvesting, cover with soil & mulch again and refertilise so I get another crop for free. Double your harvest.
20 Sep 11, New gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have planted trays of seedling leeks but as they grow should I thin them out so that they each have space around them or do I leave them as a little bunch as per the seedling tray? Help!
09 Aug 11, Joe Cassar (Australia - temperate climate)
I live on the south coast, Sanctuary Point in the Jervis Bay area. I put leek seeds early winter and probably think now that I should have put the seeds in around late summer or early autumn. When is the best time to grow leek?
21 Apr 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hey there, im always the late bloomer and am just starting my winter crops!!!! I am hoping to get the first round in the ground today or tomorrow!
17 Feb 11, lez Howard (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I always plant seeds on Nov 1st in a nursery bed ,use liquid feed to raise . Febuary I plant by the moon Calendar When planting I dib hole 150 mm deep ,place in two sheep pellets and water in . Trim tops and root before planting .If too hot cover in shade cloth, and water regulary until established. Have had good sucess in the past.
02 Jan 11, Chris Morton (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My leeks have started to develop seed heads. At the same time they are also producing little bulbs off the side of the main bulb in the soil. These bulbs will be very numerous and can (I think) be used to produce the next season's crop. This assumption is based on how we have used the many bulbs found growing in the vegie garden we have inhertited. Are these normal leeks? Do people normally use these bulbs to produce the next crop? Would love to know more about growing leeks.
27 Apr 11, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We bought three leeks from a fruit shop a few years ago. I took the pups off and planted them ,3 years later we had at least 3 rows and were sick to death of eating them. We did grow some more about a year later but have never come across this suckering type since.
Showing 101 - 110 of 140 comments

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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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