Leek

Amaryllidaceae

One of the longest from-seed crops in the garden (120-170 DTM from seed, 100-130 from transplant). Requires 8-10 week indoor start. HEAVY feeder. Blanching required for white stems — trench, hilling, mulch, or self-blanching varieties. Entire plant edible including tough green tops (stocks/soups). Clip tops to 3 inches before transplanting.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

100–130 days

Sun

6+ hours

Container

Not Ideal

3+ gallon pot

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–14 days

Optimal Temp 65°F

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs High

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Resilience

Heat: Low Cold: High Drought: Low

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder

Recommended Recipes Worm castings topdress, Compost tea

Harvest

Stem reaches 1 inch diameter. Use fork to loosen soil, twist and pull.

Storage 7 days

Sources

university UNH Extension seed-catalog Johnny's Seeds university UMD Extension university UMN Extension

More Vegetables

Leek Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Leek vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

Ready to grow Leek?

Get a personalized planting schedule based on your exact zone with frost dates, task reminders, and feeding plans.

Start Your Garden Plan