Leek
Allium porrum
Leeks are the patient gardener's reward — slow to grow, but steadfastly hardy, they stand in the ground through the darkest months when almost nothing else does. A slow-cooked leek gratin on a winter evening justifies every week they spent growing.
SowingStart indoors
Sunlight☀️ Full sun
Water💧💧 Moderate
Days to harvest120–180
Soil pH6.5–7.5
Spacing15cm × 30cm
Planting Calendar
🌏 Adjusted for southern hemisphere seasons.
Sow indoorsSow outdoorsTransplantHarvest
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sowing
Sow thinly indoors from February to April, 1cm deep in trays of seed compost. Grow on in a cold frame.Transplanting
When seedlings are pencil-thick (about June–July), transplant to their final positions. Use a dibber to make holes 15cm deep; drop a single seedling in and water in — do not firm the soil. The hole gradually fills as the plant grows, blanching the stem naturally.Earthing Up
As the plants develop, draw soil up around the stems to extend the blanched (white) portion and improve flavour. This is the traditional method of improving quality.Soil: Deep, rich, well-cultivated soil. Prepare with plenty of well-rotted manure or compost.