SpringSummerFallWinter

About Leeks

Leeks want a long, cool season and a deep white shank. Blanch by hilling soil as they grow. They stand frost better than onions and can overwinter in many zones with mulch.

When to Plant

Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Transplant when seedlings are 3–4 inches tall, around last frost, or a little before.

How to Plant

Sow ¼ inch deep. Transplant into holes or a trench 6 inches deep, 4–6 inches apart (do not thin to 1 inch), rows 12–18 inches. Water in so soil settles. Hill gradually to blanch. Keep weeded.

When to Harvest

Harvest when shanks are ¾–2 inches thick. Eat the white and light-green shank; dark green tops can flavor stock. Mulch to overwinter in Zones 5–8; harvest as needed until they start to bolt in spring.