Ruqayyah Snyder
Leeks are a fun and easy crop to grow in Australia, and they can be left in the ground for long periods so you don't have to use them all at once. They are very adaptable and can be grown under a wide range of conditions, though they do have some preferences. Leeks like moist clay soils with a pH of 6 or higher, and they grow best with temperatures between 12 and 25°C. They can be grown from seeds or seedlings, and they are usually ready to be transplanted outdoors after 4-8 weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Climate | Cool, temperate |
| Temperature Range | 8°C–25°C |
| Soil Type | Moist clay soils, sandy soils, well-drained |
| pH | 6-7 |
| Spacing | 10-20 cm |
| Harvest Time | 15-25 weeks |
| Transplanting Time | 4-6 weeks |
| Watering | Keep soil moist |
| Pests | Few problems |
| Sunlight | Partial sunlight |
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What You'll Learn
Best soil type and pH level
Leeks are very adaptable and can be grown under a wide range of conditions and soil types. They are known to grow in clay, sandy, and neutral soils. However, they do have some preferences. Leeks prefer a soil pH of 6 or higher, as they do not like acidic soils. If your soil is too acidic, you can apply agricultural lime or dolomite at a rate of 3-5 t/ha and mix it into the soil a month or two before planting.
Leeks prefer a deep, fertile, friable soil with plenty of organic matter. A well-drained, light-textured soil is best, as it makes planting and harvesting easier and contributes to the production of clean and presentable produce. Leeks also like their soil to be moist and loose, and mulching can help with this. They grow best when the soil temperature is between 8°C and 25°C.
While leeks are adaptable and can be grown in various soil types, they do have specific temperature requirements for optimal growth. They prefer cool to warm conditions, with a temperature range of 12°C-25°C. In cold areas, they are best sown in spring to early autumn for later transplanting, while in warm areas, they should be planted in early autumn and harvested in late winter or spring.
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When and how to plant seeds
Leeks are easy to grow from seeds or seedlings. The best months for growing leeks in Australia are autumn and winter, with a harvest in spring and summer. Leeks grow best in temperatures between 8°C and 25°C. In cold areas, they are best sown in spring to early autumn for transplanting later; in warm areas, plant in early autumn and harvest in late winter/spring.
Leeks can be sown directly or in a seedbed for transplanting later. If sowing seeds directly, create rows that are 30 cm apart. If you're using the seedbed method, fill punnets with a good-quality seed-raising mixture and sprinkle seeds on the surface, pressing them into the mixture. Gently water the seeds and keep the mix moist until they germinate. Place the punnets in a warm spot that gets a few hours of morning sun. After germination, keep the mix evenly moist and feed with a liquid fertiliser once a week to encourage healthy growth. Seedlings are ready for planting after about eight weeks.
When planting seedlings, make holes with a dibble or suitable stick 15 cm deep and 3-4 cm wide. Drop a seedling in each hole and water enough to cover the roots with soil. As they grow, watering will gradually fill the hole. Leeks prefer moist clay soils, so keep the soil moist and loose—mulch will help with this.
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Transplanting seedlings
Seedling Preparation
Before transplanting, ensure your leek seedlings are healthy and robust. Start by growing your leek seedlings in seed trays or punnets filled with a good-quality seed-raising mixture. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface and gently press them into the mixture. Keep the mix moist, and place the seed trays in a warm spot with access to a few hours of morning sun.
Timing is Key
Transplant your leek seedlings at the right time, typically when they are about 20 cm tall or around eight weeks after germination. In Australia, the best time to transplant leeks is during autumn and winter, with harvesting in spring and summer. However, specific planting periods may vary depending on your region within Australia.
Transplanting Process
When transplanting, create trenches or individual deep holes in the soil. Space the seedlings 10 to 20 cm apart and add enough soil to cover the roots. Gradually fill in the trench as the plants grow. If using holes, make them 15 cm deep and 3 to 4 cm wide, using a dibble or suitable stick. Water the seedlings regularly to keep the soil moist, and protect them from strong sun and wind exposure during the first week or two after transplanting.
Soil Considerations
Leeks prefer a deep, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH of 6 or higher. If your soil is acidic, you can add agricultural lime or dolomite a few months before planting. Ensure the soil is loose and moist, and consider adding mulch. Leeks thrive in moist clay soils and can handle more water than you might expect.
By following these steps for transplanting seedlings, you'll be well on your way to successfully growing leeks in your Australian garden.
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Watering and fertilising
Leeks are easy to grow and can be grown in a wide range of conditions and soil types. They are adaptable and can be left in the ground for long periods in most areas. They grow best in temperatures between 12 and 25°C, and in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils with a pH of 6 or higher.
When it comes to watering and fertilising leeks, there are a few things to keep in mind. Leeks prefer moist clay soils, so it is important to water them often enough to keep the soil moist and loose. A light watering each day should be sufficient, especially when the plants are young and establishing themselves. As they grow, you can gradually fill the hole or trench where they are planted. Periodic wetting of the base is necessary to encourage the formation of a large number of roots. When the plants are four months old, the roots will have penetrated to a depth of 45–60 cm.
Leeks are heavy feeders and respond well to fertiliser. Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil thoroughly to produce a suitable tilth for planting. If the soil is not very fertile, apply a liberal dressing of well-rotted animal manure to the preceding crop, but not immediately before planting as this can attract pests. If a liberal dressing of animal manure was applied before the previous crop, use a mixed fertiliser such as Grower 11® (11% nitrogen, 14.6% phosphorus, and 9.1% potassium) at a rate of 150–200 kg/ha. Band the fertiliser into the soil below the crop row either at or before planting. Side-dress with a nitrogen fertiliser at 30 kg/ha of nitrogen if growth lacks vigour and is not bright green.
When growing leeks from seeds, fill punnets with a good quality seed-raising mixture and sprinkle the seeds on the surface, pressing them into the mixture. Gently water the seeds and keep the mix moist until they germinate. Keep the mix evenly moist after germination and feed with a liquid fertiliser once a week to encourage healthy growth.
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Harvesting
Leeks are easy to grow and can be left in the ground for long periods in most areas, so you don't have to harvest them all at once. They are more cold-tolerant than onions but may flower ("bolt") in spring following low winter temperatures. Leeks are also more adaptable than onions because they do not form bulbs and do not have a rest period. They can be harvested over a long time, and the best temperature range for growth and production is 13°–24°C.
Leeks are usually ready to harvest 20 to 25 weeks after planting, or when they are large enough, which is typically 5–6 months after planting. They are more difficult to harvest than onions because the plants are deeper in the soil and the roots are more active and matted at the time of harvest. One method is to undercut the plants with a tractor-drawn knife, pull the plants from the soil, wash the roots and stems, trim the leaves and roots, and tie them in bunches of three to six.
To blanch the stems, deny the lower section of the stems sunlight as they grow. This process helps to increase the white section, which is preferred for cooking. To blanch, you can either transplant into a small trench and then hill up, or space the rows 45–50 cm apart so that the stems can be blanched by earthing up.
Leeks can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, sauces, pies, tarts, and casseroles. They can also be sautéed and served as a side dish. Before cooking, leeks should be washed and cleaned thoroughly to remove the soil that collects at the base of the leaves.
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Frequently asked questions
Leeks grow best in cool to warm conditions in the range of 12-25°C. They can be planted in spring to early autumn in cold areas and early autumn in warm areas.
Leeks grow best in moist clay soils that are well-drained with a pH of 6 or higher. They also prefer a deep, fertile, friable soil with plenty of organic matter.
Leeks generally take 20 to 30 weeks to reach maturity from transplanting. They are harvested when large enough, typically 5-6 months after planting.
