When to plant Leeks in Planada, CA
Planada's spring Leeks window runs February 3 through February 24. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 3 to October 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Leeks in Planada, CA
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.
Planada, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 269 feet, Merced County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Leeks successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Planada Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Merced County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Leeks Planting Timeline — Planada, CA
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Direct Sow | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 24 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Aug 11 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Merced County
Growing Tips for Planada
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
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Leeks in Other Locations
When should I plant Leeks in Planada, CA?
In Planada, CA, plant Leeks after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Planada, CA for Leeks?
Planada sits in USDA Zone 9a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Planada's climate?
Yes — Leeks grows well in Planada's temperate climate. Planada averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 28.
Your Merced County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Merced County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.