🥬 Leek: Growing Guide
Leek (Allium ampeloprasum) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 5–25 °C (41–77 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 15 cm (5.9 in) apart. Expect 120–150 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Allium ampeloprasum |
|---|---|
| Category | Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 5–25 °C (41–77 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 120–150 days |
| Sowing depth | 1 cm (0.4 in) |
| Height | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Continental | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | |||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Jan–Feb, Aug · Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: Oct–Dec.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: Oct–Nov.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: Jun, Oct–Nov.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Aug, Dec–Jan · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
Watering
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Regular watering, good drainage.
Growing tips
Low fertilizer needs. Blanch by hilling soil around the stems.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Leek: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Jan–Feb, Aug · Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: Oct–Dec. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: Oct–Nov. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: Jun, Oct–Nov.
Leek: how often should I water it?
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Regular watering, good drainage.
Leek: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 15 cm (5.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 1 cm (0.4 in).
Leek: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 120–150 days.
Leek: which plants grow well with it?
Carrot, Celery.
Leek: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Thrips.
Plan your garden
Add Leek to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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