Growing Leeks

allium porrum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

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

(Best months for growing Leeks in USA - Zone 7a 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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 20 cm apart
  • Harvest in 15-18 weeks. Loosen with a fork rather than pull by hand..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots
  • Almost ready to use
  • Leek

A member of the onion family. Looks rather like a large spring onion (scallion). Grow in seed trays or punnets until about 20 cm (8 in) tall. They look rather like large blades of grass at that stage. Then plant out into trenches or individual deep holes. The aim is to blanch the stems while the plants are growing. Trenches should be about 20 - 25 cm (8 - 10 in) deep. Set the seedlings 10 - 15 cm (4 - 6 in) apart then add enough soil to just cover the roots. As the plants grow fill the trench. Otherwise - make holes with a dibble or suitable stick 15 cm (6 in) deep and 3 - 4 cm (1.5 - 2 in) wide. Drop a seedling in each and water enough to cover the roots with soil. As they grow, watering will gradually fill the hole.

Leeks prefer moist clay soils. Keep soil moist and loose, mulch will help.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Leeks

Trim off the roots and any damaged leaves.
Young ones can be used whole with some of the green leaves.
Wash thoroughly as the earth tends to get inside.
Chop and fry in butter (or olive oil) until tender.
Can be added to casserole meals, allowing time to cook through.
Leek and mushroom make a tasty combination for a tart filling.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
15 Sep 23, Dorothy (USA - Zone 5a climate)
do leeks survive winter in the ground
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28 Nov 22, doug williams (USA - Zone 7a climate)
What is the best leek variety for zone 7 in Alabama?
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04 Dec 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Do some research on what varieties grow in your area/district. It doesn't make much difference probably.
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19 Nov 20, Sheryl Gordon (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can I direct seed outdoors in flats in November after it cools down? I don’t have space indoors to start seeds.
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23 Nov 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Read the planting guide for growing leeks in your zone. It is the monthly calendar at the top of the page.
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24 Mar 20, Audrey Dempsey (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I am in Upton, MA. My leek plants arrived today. I was planning to be away in April and May, so I had them sent early. Now I am home with trip cancelled. Can I plant the leek plants now? If not, how long can I wait? I have 50 Lancelot leek plants.
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12 Jun 14, (USA - Zone 8a climate)
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO 'BLANCH' THE STEM OR PLANT?
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13 Jun 14, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
It means to exclude light from the stem. That is what creates the white, tightly packed section of the leek, which is the bit we like to cook with. There are two main ways to achieve this: 1. As the plant grows, pack soil around the stem; or 2. Plant seeds or seedlings in a trench (about 10cm deep) and as the plant grows fill in the trench. Hope this helps.
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See comments for all plants

Blanching is where you cover the white part of the leek (the base from where the roots start to the first leaves) and you cover it so that it minimises the about of light that gets to it. This procedures will help increase the leek's flavour and nurture the white part of the leek which is beautiful to eat. You can use cardboard toilet rolls, tubing, brown paper bags with elastic bands, or you can simply push the soil up and around the white part of the leek. This 'buries' it so that you only see the green leaves. As leeks can take a few months to grow, this blanching can be done (as a guide only) after about 3 months or so. Hope this helps.

- Michelle

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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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