Amada44 / CC BY-SA 4.0
garden
Leek
Allium porrum
EdibleMedicinal
Edible Partsstem, leaves
Overview
A mild, elegant allium that forms a thick white shaft rather than a bulb, leeks are a cornerstone of French and European cuisine. They take patience to grow — often 100+ days to maturity — but reward with a sweet, buttery onion flavor that is irreplaceable in soups, gratins, and braises. Leeks are also remarkably cold-hardy and can be overwintered in the garden under mulch.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones3 — 9
Height0.6m
Spread0.15m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanBiennial
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, deep, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost; slow grower |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant into 6" deep trenches; hill soil as they grow |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Oct | Harvest when 1" diameter; frost improves flavor |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant into trenches; hill for white shanks |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jul — Nov | Harvest as needed; very frost tolerant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Start Indoors | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Start indoors early; transplant when pencil-thick |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in trenches; blanch by hilling soil |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jul — Dec | Harvest fall through early winter |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Direct sow in fall; grow as winter crop |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Jan — Apr | Harvest winter through spring |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Sow in fall for winter/spring harvest |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Mar (wraps) | Harvest during cool season |
Uses
Culinary
- Classic vichyssoise and potato leek soup
- Braised or grilled as a side dish
- Foundation ingredient in stocks and braises
Medicinal
- Allicin compounds support cardiovascular health
- Prebiotic fiber (inulin) feeds beneficial gut bacteria
- Rich in vitamin K, folate, and manganese
Other Uses
- Overwintering garden crop for late-season harvests
Safety Notes
Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[76].
