Leek Garden Guide

Leek Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 4-6" (101-152 mm)
Row Spacing: 20" (508 mm)
Planting Depth: 1/2" (12 mm)
Plants Per Person: 10
Soil Temperature: 45-95°F (7-35°C)
Days to Emergence: 5-7
Recommended Soil PH: 6.2-6.8
Seed Indoors: 8-10 weeks before transplanting
Earliest Outdoor Planting: After Last Frost
Can direct seed outdoors
Can seed indoors

Planting Leek

Prefers well-drained, rich soil, high in organic matter with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. Leeks requires plentiful, even moisture for good yields. You can direct-seed leeks, or start transplants indoors. Start transplants about 8 to 10 weeks before last frost date. Sow seeds in flats about 1/4 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep.

Transplant to cell-type containers when they are about 2 inches tall. Set hardened-off 6 to 12 inch tall transplants 4 to 8 inches deep, 4 to 6 inches apart, in rows 20 inches apart. Direct seed about 4 weeks before average last spring frost 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart, in rows 20 inches apart. Thin to 4 to 6 inches apart.

Growing Leek

Leeks require plentiful, even moisture for good yields. Water weekly if weather is dry, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. When leeks are almost the size you prefer, blanch them for 2 to 3 weeks by putting a mound of soil, mulch, or a cardboard tube around the base of each stem.

Harvesting and Storing Leek

Leeks with 1 1/2 inch diameter stems are ideal to harvest. Leeks should be removed whole; loosen soil with a spading fork, then lift out the plant by their root systems. Fully harvest all remaining leeks before the first hard freeze.

Leek Insect and Disease Information

Onion maggot - Use floating row covers to prevent infestations. Fungal diseases such as blights, molds and mildews can be minimized by practicing 3 year crop rotations, removing old plant debris in the fall.

Leek Yield Information

No yield information for Leek.