Growing Leeks

allium porrum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S S             S S    
    T T             T T

(Best months for growing Leeks in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-18 weeks. Loosen with a fork rather than pull by hand..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots

Your comments and tips

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08 Jun 17, Shane Cave (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live on a sand dune but with raised vegetable beds with added topsoil and lots of home made compost - made from kitchen and varied garden waste - but my leeks wont thicken. How can I get better leeks?
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09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Leeks prefer a moist clay type soil. I suggest you keep building your soil up with heavier soil, if you can get it, and plant your leeks closer together, making the most of smaller leeks in the meantime. Maybe leaving them in the ground a bit longer will help them to thicken.
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07 Feb 12, Susan Johnson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How much root do you trim off before planting? How do you know when the leek is ready to harvest?
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17 Feb 11, lez Howard (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I always plant seeds on Nov 1st in a nursery bed ,use liquid feed to raise . Febuary I plant by the moon Calendar When planting I dib hole 150 mm deep ,place in two sheep pellets and water in . Trim tops and root before planting .If too hot cover in shade cloth, and water regulary until established. Have had good sucess in the past.
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30 Dec 09, Demeter (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Same. I think I planted them too late last summer and now have gone to seed and virtually inedible. Planting more now.
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21 Dec 08, Deb (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Why have my leeks all gone hard and woody inside. They are beginning to flower but are still quite thin and woody
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Showing 11 - 16 of 16 comments
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You plant by seed. Work out your Climate Zone from the BLUE TAB at the top of the page. Then see when you plant for that climate zone. The monthly calendar at the top page tells you when to plant.

- Anon

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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