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When to Plant Leeks in Calhoun County, FL

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.

Calhoun County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 178 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Leeks will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Leeks root diseases.

Calhoun County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (94 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 19 Transplant: Feb 23 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Aug 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Sep 11

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 721 gal / 100 sq ft
Leeks needs ~2,370 GDD — county provides 5,135 GDD Excellent fit

Leeks Planting Timeline โ€” Calhoun County, FL

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 โ€“ Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 12
Fall Sowing September 11 Sep 11 โ€“ Sep 25
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 โ€“ Aug 20

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

90โ€“150 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

260 days

Growing Tips for Calhoun County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Leeks in Calhoun County, FL?

Calhoun County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, FL?

Calhoun County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Calhoun County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Calhoun County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.