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When to plant Leeks in Cochise County, AZ

In Cochise County, plant Leeks in spring between March 16 and April 6, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Cochise County's last frost averages March 30, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 31 and September 14 — roughly 90–150 days before the first frost on November 9.

When to Plant Leeks in Cochise County, AZ

Leeks

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.

Cochise County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.

At an elevation of 3,447 feet, Cochise County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 105°F, so Leeks may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Leeks will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Leeks successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Cochise County, AZ (Zone 8b) Long season
224 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
224 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Cochise County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.9-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Leeks

Leeks needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Leeks Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Apr 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cochise County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Leeks Planting Timeline — Cochise County, AZ

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant Outdoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 – Sep 14
Fall Sowing August 31 Aug 31 – Sep 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–150 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

224 days in Cochise County

Growing Tips for Cochise 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Leeks in Cochise County, AZ?

Cochise County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cochise County, AZ?

Cochise County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Leeks in Cochise County, AZ?

In Cochise County, AZ, plant Leeks after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cochise County, AZ for Leeks?

Cochise County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Leeks grow in Cochise County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Cochise County's temperate climate. Cochise County averages a 224-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around November 9.

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Your Cochise County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cochise County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Cochise County, AZ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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