Leeks Planting Guide

Leeks are a mild, sweet allium that produces long white shanks. They are more refined than onions and are a key ingredient in soups, stews, and gratins.

Allium ampeloprasum · Vegetable · Amaryllidaceae family · 90–150 days to maturity

Get Your Personalized Leeks Planting Dates

Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.

Where Can You Grow Leeks?

Zone Compatibility for Leeks Zones 3a – 10b

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

Ideal (data available) Suitable Marginal Not recommended

Planting Dates by Zone

Zone	Start Indoors	Direct Sow	Transplant	Harvest
Zone 3a	Apr 3	May 8	May 15	Aug 14 – Sep 18
Zone 3b	Mar 29	May 3	May 10	Aug 9 – Sep 13
Zone 4a	Mar 25	Apr 29	May 6	Aug 5 – Sep 30
Zone 4b	Mar 20	Apr 24	May 1	Jul 31 – Sep 25
Zone 5a	Mar 21	Apr 11	Apr 25	Jul 25 – Oct 10
Zone 5b	Mar 14	Apr 4	Apr 18	Jul 18 – Oct 3
Zone 6a	Mar 6	Mar 27	Apr 10	Jul 10 – Sep 25
Zone 6b	Feb 27	Mar 20	Apr 3	Jul 3 – Sep 18
Zone 7a	Feb 18	Mar 11	Mar 25	Jun 24 – Sep 9
Zone 7b	Feb 11	Mar 4	Mar 18	Jun 17 – Sep 2
Zone 8a	Feb 1	Feb 22	Mar 8	Jun 7 – Aug 23
Zone 8b	Jan 21	Feb 11	Feb 25	May 27 – Aug 12
Zone 9a	Jan 13	Jan 20	Feb 10	May 12 – Jul 28
Zone 9b	Dec 28	Jan 4	Jan 25	Apr 26 – Jul 12
Zone 10a	Dec 4	Dec 11	Jan 1	Apr 2 – Jun 18
Zone 10b	Dec 4	Dec 11	Jan 1	Apr 2 – Jun 18

Why are some columns showing "—"?

Transplant shows "—" because Leeks is best direct sown where it will grow. Transplanting can disturb the roots and slow growth.

How to Plant Leeks

Planting Depth

15"

Between Plants

24"

Between Rows

🍂 Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.

🧪 Soil pH

6 – 7

Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.

🗺️ Hardiness Zones

Zone 3a – 10b

📅 Days to Maturity

90–150 days

Medium-season crop. Start early for best results in shorter seasons.

👪 Plant Family

Amaryllidaceae

Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Amaryllidaceae family crops grew last year.

How Much Leeks to Grow

Leeks takes 90–150 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.

Companion Planting for Leeks

✅ Good Companions

Carrots Celery Lettuce

❌ Keep Away From

Peas Green Beans

Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Growing Tips for Leeks

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Transplant into trenches and hill soil around stems as they grow to increase the white portion. Harvest as needed.

Saving Leeks Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

🌱

Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

🧪

Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

🏷️

Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

Level Up Your Garden

Seed Saving & Storage Guide

Learn when to harvest, how to dry, and how to store seeds from 200 plants. Never buy seeds again.

Learn More →

Leeks by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Leeks?

Leeks (Allium ampeloprasum) takes 90 to 150 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.

What zones can Leeks grow in?

Leeks can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.

How much sun does Leeks need?

Growing Leeks requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.

Blog