Growing Leeks

allium porrum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

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

(Best months for growing Leeks in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

April: Leeks need moist soil throughout their growth.

  • 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

04 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the notes here about growing it. It tells you when to plant and how long until harvest.
10 Nov 18, Leeanne newnam (Australia - temperate climate)
When do leeks go in and how long till they harvest, is it summer or winter?
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.
Showing 41 - 50 of 142 comments

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!

- aussiecuttlefish

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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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