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

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16 Jan 09, jacqu (Australia - temperate climate)
i planted some leeks months ago as small plants but they don't seem to be getting any bigger and i don't know why. anyone have any suggestions.
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18 Sep 08, Michelle (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
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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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