Vegetables· Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

Leek Growing Guide

Leeks are a mild-flavored allium grown for their thick, blanched white and pale green shanks. They are more cold-hardy than onions and are a staple of European winter cooking. Leeks require a long growing season and deep planting or hilling for blanching.

How Long Does Leek Take to Grow?

Leek is typically ready to harvest about 120 days after planting.

120

Days to Harvest

27,325

kg/hectare

moderate

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

13-22°C optimal

Rainfall

500-1000 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

high

Drought Tolerance

low

Humidity

moderate tolerance

Heat Tolerance

low

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: loam, silt loam, sandy loam

pH range: 6 - 6.5 (optimal: 6.3)

Drainage: good

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)high

Phosphorus (P)moderate

Potassium (K)moderate

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

transplanting

Planting Depth

10 cm

Plant Spacing

15 cm apart, 40 cm rows

Planting Season

early spring

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

4,650 - 41,420 kg/ha

Market Demand

stable

Profitability

medium

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

onion thrips
allium leaf miner
leek moth

Common Diseases

rust
white rot
botrytis
downy mildew

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Plant transplants deeply in 15 cm trenches and gradually fill in soil as they grow to produce long, white blanched shanks.

Leeks can be overwintered in the ground in most climates; mulch heavily and harvest through winter as needed.

Unlike onions, leeks do not form bulbs and can be left in the ground without deteriorating, giving flexible harvest timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Leek take to grow?

Leek typically takes 120 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 10 days. The best planting season is early spring.

What soil does Leek need?

Leek grows best in loam, silt loam, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6-6.5. Good drainage is required.

What temperature does Leek need?

Leek grows best at 13-22°C. Frost tolerance: high. Heat tolerance: low.

What is the expected yield for Leek?

Across 8 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Leek range from 4,650 to 41,420 kg/hectare, with a median of 27,325. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.