How to Grow Leeks
Would you like to grow leeks? My special guide below is sure to give you the best results possible.
Latin Name: Allium ameloprasum
Plant Family: Onion (Amaryllidaceae)
Cool-season crop
Did You Know?
It’s amazing that a tiny seed can grow into something as large as a leek. These elegant members of the onion family have a milder flavor and can be added to a wide variety of foods. Leeks are not difficult to grow once you understand the basics. Many cultivars require up to 130 days to reach maturity. Gardeners with short growing seasons should choose one that matures in 90 days or less such as ‘King Richard’ or ‘Megaton’.
Plant Seeds or Seedlings? Start seeds indoors
When: 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost
Days to Germination: 5 to 10 days
Depth to Sow: 1/4 inch deep
Spacing: When transplanting out into garden, space seedlings 6 inches apart.
Days to Maturity: 75 to 120
Cultural Information:
While the seedlings are growing indoors, trim them back regularly to a height of 3 inches. This forces each plant to use most of its energy for developing a good root system. Two weeks before your average last frost date, prepare the planting bed. There are two methods. The first involves digging a trench about 8 inches deep. Carefully plant each seedling in the bottom of the trench, only covering the roots and the lowest part of the stem. The second method just involves digging a narrow hole about 4 inches deep for each seedling. (I prefer it) Space the holes about 4 inches apart. Cover only the roots and let the hole slowly fill in on its own over a few weeks’ time. Avoid getting soil in between the stem and where the leaves emerge as that allows soil to enter and potentially cause rotting. Gently water in the seedlings.
If using the trench method, occasionally fill in the trench around the seedlings (always below where the leaves split from the stem). The purpose of the trench or deep planting hole is to prevent sunlight from hitting the leeks. This technique is called “blanching” and will result in white stems. Water plants regularly, being careful to avoid knocking too much soil onto them.
Susan’s Picks: ‘American Flag’ (130 days), ‘Bandit’ (120), ‘Bulgarian Giant’ (110), ‘Megaton’ (90), ‘King Richard’ (72)
When to Harvest:
Start picking leeks any time after they are 1 inch in diameter. If the ground freezes in your region, be sure to harvest them before that point. Otherwise, you’ll need a jackhammer to remove them!
How to Cook & Preserve:
Leeks can be braised as a side dish, sliced into stews or casseroles, or have a starring role in delicious leek and potato soup. Refrigerate leeks for few weeks and/or preserve extras by slicing and freezing them for later use.
Back to Vegetable Grow Guide Chart
Copyright: Susan Mulvihill, Susan’s in the Garden, SusansintheGarden.com.