Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
90-100 (Spring/Summer), 90-100 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Hardy

Leeks can be extremely frost tolerant and are considered to be one of the hardiest winter crops.

Crops
Fall Transplant
Growing Season
Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool, Warm

In areas with hot summers and mild winters, leeks do best as an overwintering crop. This should be started in early summer (indoors or out). Best to plant when climate is cool, for most this means Spring and Fall.

Outdoor Growing Temp
45°F - 85°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
50°F

Leek seed germinates fairly well in cold soil.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
No
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm)

Leeks do best in full sun, though they will tolerate some shade.

Water
Moderate

Leeks grow best in moist soil. Give the plants constant moisture and apply a mulch.

Feeder
Moderate

Moderate nitrogen. Moderate potassium. Moderate phosphorous.

Leeks aren't a very hungry plant.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost, Tolerates hard frost, Partial shade
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

You can grow leeks in a container. Make sure that your container is 12" deep and has drainage holes. Fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost to a level about 4" below the top of the container, which will give you room to blanch the leeks later by adding layers of compost or soil. In hot weather you should keep them out of direct sun.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
White
Fruit Size
- "
Plant Height
14.0 - 20.0"
Plant Diameter
3.0 - 6.0"
Hardiness Zone
3-10
Disease Resistance
-
Taste Profile

Delicious mild flavor, excellent fresh or cooked.

Rotation Group
Roots: Alliums + Umbeliferae