Leek Growing Guide
Amaryllidaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling / Sprouting
- Leaf Growth / Bulbing
- Mature / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 16 | May 11 | — | Aug 9 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 16 | May 11 | — | Aug 9 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 6 | May 1 | — | Jul 30 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 16 | May 11 | — | Aug 9 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 13 | May 8 | — | Aug 6 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 6 | May 1 | — | Jul 30 |
| Zone 4a | Feb 24 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 20 |
| Zone 4b | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 5a | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | — | Jul 13 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | — | Jul 13 |
| Zone 6a | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | — | Jul 13 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | — | Jun 30 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | — | Jun 30 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 30 | Mar 27 | — | Jun 25 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 25 | Mar 22 | — | Jun 20 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 11 | Mar 8 | — | Jun 6 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 9 | Mar 6 | — | Jun 4 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 30 | Feb 24 | — | May 25 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 12 | Feb 6 | — | May 7 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 19 | Jan 14 | — | Apr 14 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 19 | Jan 14 | — | Apr 14 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 6 | Jan 1 | — | Apr 1 |
| Zone 12a | Oct 23 | Dec 18 | — | Mar 18 |
| Zone 12b | Oct 23 | Dec 18 | — | Mar 18 |
| Zone 13a | Oct 23 | Dec 18 | — | Mar 18 |
| Zone 13b | Oct 23 | Dec 18 | — | Mar 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Leek?
Leek takes approximately 120 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Leek need?
Leek requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Leek?
Plant Leek at 4/sqft (6" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Leek survive frost?
Leek is tolerant of moderate frost.
What are good companion plants for Leek?
Good companion plants for Leek include Carrots, Onions, Celery. Avoid planting near Beans, Peas.
How long does Leek take to germinate?
Leek seeds germinate in 7-14 days at an optimal temperature of 70°F.
When should I start Leek seeds indoors?
Start Leek seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost
- Plant in trenches and hill soil around stems as they grow to blanch the shaft
- Very cold-hardy; can overwinter in the ground in many regions
Common Pests & Diseases
- Onion thrips
- Leek moth
- Rust
- Allium leaf miner
Harvest Notes
Harvest when shafts are at least 1 inch in diameter. Dig rather than pull to get the full white shaft. Stores well in the ground.
Plan Your Leek Garden
Track Leek from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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