When is the best time to plant leeks?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.To succeed with your leek harvest, choose the optimal time to plant. This varies markedly from location to location and from plan to plan. Leeks thrive in cool seasons and are generally resistant to extreme heat. Plan your planting so that they will be ready to harvest before the warm weather causes them to bolt. Here are some suggestions for your growing region.
Northern Climates
- Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost
- Transplant outdoors 2 weeks before last frost date
- Use season extenders like cold frames for early starts
- Target fall harvest before hard freezes
Mild Regions
- Direct sow in early spring when soil reaches 50°F
- Plant succession crops every 3 weeks until midsummer
- Late summer planting for overwintered harvests
- Protect from summer heat with shade cloth
Southern Areas
- Plant in late fall for winter/early spring harvest
- Use bolt-resistant varieties like 'King Richard'
- Provide afternoon shade during establishment
- Irrigate consistently to combat heat stress
Soil temperature.A major factor in germination, leek seeds should be sown in soil where the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees. F. (15-21 °C.), and soil thermometers should be used to prove the condition before sowing. Cold soil retards germination; warm soil is favourable to the healthy growth and development of plants, and sowings should be made when the temperature holds consistently between these limits.
Overwintering methods extend the harvest until spring. Plant the preferred hard-to-kill' Bandit' in late summer/early fall. Leave outdoors to settle into their new home before winter dormancy kicks in. Mulch quite thickly before the first hard freeze. This will give you early spring harvests before they bolt.
Selecting varieties: If you're able to match varieties to your planting, plant early types if you're planting for a late salad crop (e.g. 'King Richard'), and vice versa with late maturing types when planting for an early crop (such as 'Tadorna'). Bolt-resistant varieties do best in warmer climates. See specifics on the packet.
Succession Planting. Succession planning is essential to ensure, as much as possible, that you have a harvest in your crops. These should be started every two to three weeks through the right seasons. Intermingle indoor start ideas with some direct sowing ideas, and you can have various-sized leeks emerging throughout the season. You will always have some young children and some mature individuals on hand.
Protection from unexpected weather conditions. Weather adaptations can protect tender young plants. If planting occurs before any forecast frost, row covers can be placed over the plants. Alternatively, use shade cloth in case of an unseasonal heat wave. Those first few weeks after planting are vital for establishing roots correctly; otherwise, the plants can suffer for the rest of their lives.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Steps for Growing Leeks
