Leek Growing Guide
Leek is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate
Category
Vegetable
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Family
Amaryllidaceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Biennial
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
60 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
60 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Leek?
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Your Leek Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Leek's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 7–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Plant leeks in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil.
- 2Water them consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 3Space the plants about 6 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow, which helps prevent diseases.
- 4Keep an eye out for pests like onion flies and use row covers or natural predators to manage them.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~120
Days to Maturity
45 cm
Mature Height
5 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
45 days
When to Pick
Pull when stalks are thick and base is swollen
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest leeks when they are about 1 inch in diameter and the stalks are firm, typically in late summer or early fall.
- 2Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the base, then pull the leek out by grasping it near the base to avoid damaging the plant.
- 3Trim the roots and any tough outer leaves before storing or using.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from a leek plant is a rewarding and simple process that any new grower can master! Allow your leek plants to flower in their second year, and once the beautiful round flower heads dry out and turn brown, gently cut them off and place them in a paper bag. Shake the bag to release the tiny black seeds, then let them air dry for a few days. Store your seeds in a cool, dry place in a labeled envelope or jar, and you’ll be ready to plant your very own homegrown leeks next season. Remember, saving seeds not only saves money but also helps you grow stronger, more resilient plants year after year!
Seed Production
