Leek plants are a type of vegetable in the onion family. They have a mild onion flavor and are usually cooked in soups, stews, and other dishes. Leeks have a long, cylindrical green stalk and white bulb at the bottom. The leaves are flat and long, and can be either smooth or crinkled. Leeks are a cool-season crop and can be planted in the spring or fall in most climates. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber and minerals.
Planning Your Garden With Leeks
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Leeks are biennial. |
| USDA Zone | Leeks are hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Leeks are cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for leeks is 90-120 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown leek plant is between 12 and 18 inches tall. |
| Spacing requirements | Leeks should be planted 4-6 inches apart in rows that are set 12-18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Leeks can tolerate full sun, but they prefer partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Leeks are considered to be a semi-shade tolerant plant and can tolerate up to 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with hot climates, it is recommended to provide some partial shade for leeks during the hottest part of the day. |
| Water requirements | Ideally, leeks need about 1-2 inches of water per week. This should be applied evenly over the entire growing season. Leeks are a hardy vegetable and can tolerate periods of drought, but for best results, they should be watered regularly and evenly. If rainfall is not sufficient to meet these needs, supplemental irrigation should be used. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer used when growing leeks will depend on the type of fertilizer used and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing leeks is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Leeks are Popular
People like to grow leeks because they are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and are very versatile in the kitchen. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and potassium. Leeks are also a great addition to soups, stews, and other dishes, adding flavor and texture.
Companion Plants For Leeks
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for leeks include:
Common Pests For Leeks
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow leeks, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- slugs
- aphids
- onion maggots
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
