Growing Leeks

allium porrum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

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

(Best months for growing Leeks in Australia - temperate 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

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
06 Sep 17, Irene (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Same here. Sunshine Coast Qld
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Dec 16, Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long can i leave leeks in the ground and still be edible ?
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
In southern climates they can be left in the ground until early Spring. I hope someone from the sub-tropics sees you question and can answer better.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Aug 16, Heidi (Australia - temperate climate)
I have always had trouble growing leeks. When I transplant them from bought seedlings, they don't thrive and fatten up. Someone suggested I leave them in clumps and this seems to work. What is the reason they don't like being on their own?
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Dec 16, Kathy (Australia - temperate climate)
G'day Heidi, I also have trouble growing Leeks & I also want to know why they don't like being on their own. I'll be keen to know what people suggest to you & I'll try it myself. Mate, I just wanted to let you know your not on your own !!!!!!
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Apr 16, andy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
when topping up the soil around the leek as it grows, how can i tell where on the stalk i need to cover up to?
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Sep 15, Denis Hopking (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do I keep bandicoots out of my garlic and leek patch?
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Feb 15, rod smith (Australia - temperate climate)
if i prune leeks back will they regrow or if i plant the bulb will i get more leeks
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Apr 15, Pete (Australia - temperate climate)
If you cut the leek about 25mm or so above the roots (leaving the bulb bit) it can be replanted. Haven't tried it myself but a few people have said it works.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Nov 14, Lee (Australia - temperate climate)
How can I tell when my leeks are ready to harvest? Most have pods which haven't opened as yet.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 40 of 102 comments
See comments for all plants

Maybe water was caught down between the leaves and it just went rotten.

- Anon

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.