Leeks . Unassuming name , but earnestly underrated . If you ’ve never tasted one , intend of a mellow , sweet onion that hop-skip all the inclemency and became the most various member of the genus Allium family . A bit like ail ’s gentler cousin , scallion bring a subtle , spicy relish to any sweetheart , and they ’ve bring in their spot in everything from soups to sautés . Honestly , they might just be the unsung hero of your kitchen .

They turn easily in coolheaded weather , and here ’s the kicker — they really get better the longer you leave alone them in the ground . Plant them in the early spring , and you could be harvesting well into wintertime . But do n’t get too fancy with them — leek like their space . They ’ll flourish best if you give them a good patch of earth to stretch out their roots .

And if you ’ve never grown them before , a little patience get a long way . They do n’t mind a moment of shade to start , and they ’ll take a bit of pee — plus , a little jog from you during those first few months helps too . Once set up , though , they ’re ruffianly .

The plant itself ? Elegant . Long , slim stalks with a bite of green at the top , adding a touch of rustic charm to any garden . And did I observe they ’re apowerhouse of vitamins and antioxidant ? That ’s a bonus for anyone looking to add a little extra good to their meals .

How to Grow Leeks

turn Allium porrum is a rewarding process that take some provision and forethought . Below is a step - by - step usher to get you started .

Planting Leeks

Growing Leeks

Harvesting Leeks

Pest and Disease Management

Tips for Success

Leeks Growing Zone

Leeks are a cool - season craw that raise upright in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 . They can allow frost and even hold out in temperature as abject as 20 ° F ( -6 ° C ) , making them suitable for planting in areas with modest winter .

Here are some guidelines found on zones :

Growing Leeks FAQ

Leeks are a eccentric of veggie that belong to to the genus Allium category , which includes onion , garlic , and shallots . They have a modest , sweet smack and are often used in soup , stews , and other dishes .

Leeks are typically planted in early spring for a summertime harvest or in late summer for an fall harvesting . They require a long growing time of year , unremarkably around 120 to 150 day .

Start Allium porrum seeds indoors about 8 - 10 weeks before the last bear freeze engagement . Sow seeds in tray or mickle filled with seminal fluid - starting mix , light overlay them with soil , and keep the soil moist . Transplant seedlings outside when they are about the thickness of a pencil .

Yes , leeks can be uprise from seedlings . you may buy young scallion plant from a nursery or garden centerfield and transplant them at once into your garden .

Yes . come out by trim back off the bottom 2 inches of a leek , ensuring it includes the radical al-Qa’ida . invest this section in a shallow dish with just enough piddle to track the root , and set it on a cheery windowsill . Change the water every duad of day to keep it fresh . Within a calendar week , you ’ll notice new fleeceable shoot emerging from the top .

In mild climates , scallion can sometimes winter and regrow the undermentioned class . Some nurseryman also grow repeated variety like ‘ Elephant ’ scallion , which can be harvested ceaselessly .

Start by fill the container with well - draining filth . Plant leek seedlings or seeds about 6 column inch apart to appropriate room for growth . Water them on a regular basis . As the leeks grow , mound soil or mulch around the stems to blanch the humbled part , which results in lovesome , white stalks .

When grow Allium porrum , it ’s recommend to space them about 6 inches apart in words that are 12 to 18 inches apart . This allows for approximately 4 leeks per solid foundation if engraft in a grid pattern . If you swag the quarrel slightly , you might be able to fit in more , but 4 per square foot is a good norm for proper growth .

Leeks are ordinarily ready to harvest when they strain a diameter of 1 - 2 inches , bet on the diversity . This typically occurs 120 - 150 day after planting . They can be reap as involve , even into the winter in mild climates .