Your comments and tips

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. .

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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.

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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.

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15 Mar 17, Nicki (Australia - temperate climate)

Can leeks be grown together with lettuce and spinach?

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15 Mar 17, Jonno (Australia - temperate climate)

I don't know of any reason why not. It really amounts to the quality of the soil but 'stacking' plants is a good way to increase yield in a given space. The lettuce and spinach would be long harvested by the time the leeks are ready. You could also plant radishes as they only take about 4 weeks to harvest. I probably wouldn't plant other members of the onion fmily like this as they are susceptible to fungal problems and need an open spot with good air circulation.

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11 Mar 17, Lorraine (Australia - tropical climate)

When do I plant leeks in WA climate

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12 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Leeks prefer temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees C. The WA Dept. Of Agriculture says they ca be grown all year round in Perth. Seeds take 2-4 months to be ready for transplanting and will take about 5-7months before they are ready for harvest. Leeks are often planted in trenches which are backfilled as they grow to produce long white shanks. They are delectable and are worth the wait if you have the available. All the best.

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19 Jan 17, Kathy (Australia - temperate climate)

G'day !! I planted my Leek seedlings at the start of October '16, it is now January '17 and my leeks are still thin and they look like spring onions. What have I done wrong and how can I grow fat leeks ? I've followed all the steps on the label that came with my punnet of Leek seedlings, please help I would honestly appreciate it. Thank you .... " Cheers "

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16 Feb 17, karen (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi kathy, Same problem, I'm in coastal southern NSW and after 6 months... I had lovely Leek Flowers & gave up. About to replant in late Feb more leeks, hopefully will not fail again.

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13 Sep 17, Matteo (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi karen and kathy, Leeks need to be pumped with plenty of organic fertilizer Blood n bone, chook/cow manure etc ,water well, also they love Magnesium (epsom salts ) apply via a water can or direct then water well

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