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

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23 Dec 12, Sue (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Once the leek flowers there will be a woody stem going right down to the root which makes it largely inedible. You can eat from around the flower stem but it's not the best.
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20 Nov 12, Terry Parker (Australia - temperate climate)
Having had a hard rubbish collection recently, I obtained some vacuum cleaner hose and cut into 15-20cm lengths to blanch the leeks. They can even be split and retain rigidity around the leeks.
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03 Oct 12, Stella (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted my leek seeds around 3 weeks ago in polystyrene boxes... But they r not growing at all.. Not even seedlings have appeared..:-/ is thr any way I could save them.. Does putting like a cover later at night like a plastic would help them germinate faster as I normally don't grow in seed trays... Any ideas to save my plants would be highly appreciated:)
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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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Showing 91 - 100 of 140 comments
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"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.

- Mike

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