Leek Seeds - American Flag

Minimum Seeds per Packet: 180

Packet Weight: 1g

Planting Season: Spring or Fall

Sowing Method: Direct Seed or Transplant

Seed Depth: 1/4"

Direct Seed Spacing: 1"

Soil Temperature: 60-80 ℉

Days to Sprout: 6-16

Mature Spacing: 4-6"

Sun Requirement: Full Sun

Frost Tolerance: Frost Tolerant

Days to Harvest: 135

When to Seed Leeks

In warmer climates, zone seven and up, leeks can be planted in the fall or spring. Fall planted leeks are typically overwintered for a spring harvest and spring planted leeks, while they can be harvested at any size, are typically planted for a fall harvest. In colder climates, leeks can be planted in very early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. Start your leek seeds six to eight weeks before you’re ready to plant. 

Where to Plant Leeks

Choose a spot where your leeks can spend a long summer or winter in the same spot. They’ll appreciate full sun and well-draining soil. 

Growing Leeks

When seeding leeks, keep your soil temperature relatively warm, between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll want to keep your seed moist until germination. Sow your seeds in trenches ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. This is typically done in a holeless flat, or when direct seeding outdoors. As they grow, thin them to their mature distance of four to six inches. Once your seedlings have reached six inches tall, they are ready to transplant. When transplanting, dig a trench about six inches deep. When planting, cover as much as the stem as possible, without burying the whole top of the plant where the leaves spread apart, to blanche the stems. This creates that white to green, tender stemmed leek we love so much. Plant your transplants six inches apart. You can also mound soil around the base of the leeks as they mature to blanch them, or use cardboard tubes placed around each plant to blanche the stems. Leeks have shallow roots so will need plenty of water and should be mulched - especially when being overwintered - to protect against weeds and hold in moisture.

Harvesting Leeks

Leeks are generally ready to harvest when their stems are about one inch thick. But - leeks can be harvested at any size! Younger leeks are less flavorful, but more tender, and may be eaten like scallions.

Leek, Allium spp.

Pollination, insect; Life Cycle, biennial; Isolation Distance, 1 mile

In the second year when leeks flower, don't collect seed heads from plants that bold early. Leeks have a perfect flower and will cross with other leeks of the same species, but will not cross with onions or garlic, which are Alliums, but not of the same species as leeks. The flower stalks and seed heads can be very large and heavy, so staking is a good precaution. When the flowers reveal black seeds they are ready for collection. Cut off the heads and place into a paper bag to bring inside for further drying. When fully dry, rub the flowers between your hands to dislodge the seeds, clean, and store.