How to grow leek
Drop seedlings into deep dibber holes and water in; soil washing in blanches the stems.
Rotation and family
Leek belongs to the alliums (Amaryllidaceae). Shallow-rooted; onion white rot survives in soil for many years.
In a four-bed crop rotation it goes in the roots & alliums bed. Avoid growing it where any alliums grew in the last three years.
When to plant leek by zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 27 |
| 4 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| 6 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| 7 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| 8 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| 9 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Feb 8 – Mar 1 |
| 10 | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Jan 18 – Feb 8 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Leek questions
When should I plant leek?
Plant leek outdoors 2 weeks before your last spring frost. Start seeds indoors about 10 weeks before your last frost.
How far apart should I plant leek?
About 4 inches apart, or 9 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with leek?
Traditional companions include beet, carrot, onion. Keep it away from bush bean, pea.
How long does leek take to grow?
Typically 100–130 days from transplanting to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.