Lyla Lindsey
Leeks are a versatile member of the onion family, known for their mild flavour and ease of growth. They are a biennial vegetable but are grown as an annual crop. Leeks can be grown year-round in most climates, but in Western Australia, it is best to avoid planting in extremely hot or cold weather. The ideal temperature for growing leeks is between 15 and 25°C, and they typically take 21 to 30 weeks to reach maturity from transplanting. Leeks are usually grown from seeds or seedlings, but they can also be grown from 'scraps' of store-bought produce with intact roots.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil type | Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline |
| Temperature | 15-25°C |
| Time to maturity | 21-30 weeks |
| Plant type | Biennial, grown as short-lived annual |
| Shank length | 10-20cm |
| Shank diameter | 2-5cm |
| Weight | 200-300g |
| Spacing | 10-15cm apart |
| Watering | Regular, to keep soil moist |
| Sunlight | At least 6 hours per day |
| Fertilisation | Balanced vegetable fertiliser, every 4-6 weeks |
| Harvesting | When desired size is reached, typically 90-150 days after planting |
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What You'll Learn
Leeks grow best in temperatures between 15 and 25°C
Leeks are a versatile member of the onion family, known for their mild flavour. They are easy to grow and can be cultivated all year round in most climates. However, they thrive in cooler temperatures, growing best when the temperature is between 15 and 25°C. In regions with hotter climates, providing some shade or moving the plants to a cooler spot can help maintain optimal temperatures.
Leeks are typically grown from seeds or seedlings, but they can also be grown from 'scraps' of store-bought produce. When growing from seeds, it is recommended to start sowing them indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your region. In cooler regions, such as Tasmania or the Southern Highlands, late winter or early spring is a good time to start sowing seeds indoors. In temperate regions, like Sydney or Melbourne, transplant the seedlings outdoors in spring when the soil temperature reaches around 10-15°C.
Leeks grown from seeds typically take up to five months to fully mature, while those grown from seedlings are usually ready in three to four months. To ensure a constant supply of leeks, successive plantings of small batches can be made throughout the year. When planting, it is important to space the plants adequately, with a recommended distance of 10 to 15 cm between each plant.
Leeks grow well in full sun and prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be prepared a few weeks in advance by mixing in compost and well-rotted manure. To encourage longer and whiter stems, a technique called 'earthing' or mounding the soil around the base of the plants can be employed a few weeks before harvesting.
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They can be grown all year round, but avoid extreme weather
Leeks are a versatile member of the onion family and can be grown all year round in Western Australia, but it is important to avoid extreme weather conditions. They grow best in temperatures between 15 and 25°C, so it is best to avoid planting during hot or cold weather, which can affect germination and growth.
In Western Australia, the Mediterranean-like climate of the Swan Coastal Plain near Perth is particularly well-suited to growing leeks. The region's sandy soils and mild temperatures provide ideal conditions for this vegetable. However, leeks can be grown successfully in a range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline, and enriched with organic matter.
To ensure a constant supply of leeks throughout the year, it is recommended to make successive plantings of small batches. This method, practised by experienced gardeners, allows for a steady harvest of leeks for the kitchen. Leeks can be grown from seeds, but it is worth considering buying seedlings to save four to six weeks of growing time.
When planting leeks, it is important to space the plants appropriately, leaving about 10 to 15 cm between them. Rows should be spaced further apart, at about 45 cm. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist, and mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Leeks prefer full sun, so ensure they receive at least six hours of sunlight each day.
While leeks are typically considered a cool-season crop, they can thrive in Western Australia's mild climate year-round with proper care and attention. By avoiding extreme weather conditions and following recommended planting and care guidelines, gardeners can successfully grow this versatile and tasty vegetable.
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Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil is preferred
Leeks are a versatile member of the onion family and can be grown all year round in most climates. They are a biennial plant but are grown as a short-lived annual for market. They are usually grown from seeds or seedlings, but they can also be grown from 'scraps' from store-bought produce.
Leeks will grow on a range of soil types, but well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil is preferred. The soil should be rich in organic matter, but it is important not to add fresh manure at the time of planting. The soil should be prepared at least a couple of weeks before planting by weeding thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost.
Leeks grow best in full sun and with temperatures between 15 and 25°C. They should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. If the weather becomes too hot, provide some shade or move the pots to a cooler spot.
Leeks usually take up to five months to fully mature from seed but can be harvested when the stems are 2cm thick. Plants grown from seedlings are generally ready in three to four months.
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Leeks can be grown from seeds or seedlings
To plant leek seeds, start them indoors in late February or March. You can also begin in October or November if you're in the southern hemisphere. When the plants are 10 to 15 weeks old, they're ready to be transplanted outside. Make rows about 30 centimetres apart. Then, wash the seedlings to remove any remaining soil before planting them.
If you're planting seedlings, you'll need to prepare them before putting them in the ground. First, trim the roots, leaving about 1.5 cm at the bottom of the leek. Then, trim the leaves, leaving 3-4 cm of growth above the point where they split off. Use a dibber or a stick to create holes in the ground for your seedlings. The width of the hole will guide the size of your eventual leek, so keep that in mind.
To produce long white shafts, some gardeners plant leeks in furrows. Set transplants at the bottom of a six-inch deep furrow. As the plants develop, gradually fill the furrow by raising the soil level along the stems up to the leaves. Another method is to hill the plants by planting them at normal soil level and then mounding compost or soil around the plants several times during the growing season.
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They take 21 to 30 weeks to reach maturity from transplanting
Leeks are a biennial vegetable, but they are usually grown as an annual crop. They are a versatile member of the onion family, with a sweeter and milder flavour than common onions. They are grown for their thickened cylindrical 'stem' or shank, which is made up of long leaf bases.
Leeks are not a preferred crop for many growers because they spend 8 to 16 weeks in the nursery or seedbed before transplanting, and then they take 21 to 30 weeks to reach maturity. This means that leeks generally take about five months to fully mature from seed. However, plants grown from seedlings are usually ready in three to four months. This lengthy process means that there are two harvests per year, and some growers crop consecutively as there is less build-up of soil diseases compared to other vegetables.
To ensure a constant supply of leeks, it is recommended to make successive plantings of small batches. Leeks can be grown from seeds, but some prefer to buy them as seedlings, as this saves four to six weeks of growing time. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden or raised in trays or other containers and transplanted once established. When direct sowing, the seeds should be planted 5mm deep and 12cm apart, with rows 45cm apart. Alternatively, the scatter seed method involves roughening the soil, scattering seeds evenly, and then smoothing the soil over lightly.
Leeks are ready to harvest when they have reached the desired size, which typically occurs 90 to 150 days after planting, depending on the variety. They can be harvested when they are quite fat and large, or when they are young and about the size of a spring onion.
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Frequently asked questions
Leeks can be grown year-round in most climates, but avoid planting in extreme hot or cold conditions. The best temperatures for leeks are between 15 and 25°C.
Leeks usually take up to five months to fully mature from seed, but can be harvested when the stems are 2cm thick. Plants grown from seedlings are generally ready in three to four months.
Leeks need regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface.
Leeks will grow on a range of soil types, but well-drained neutral to slightly alkaline soils are preferred. The soil should be rich in organic matter, but do not add fresh manure at the time of planting.
Leeks should be harvested when they have reached the desired size. Larger leeks generally have a stronger flavour and are ideal for soups and stews.
