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Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

Leeks

Leeks growing guidance with clear planting, care and harvest expectations.

Grows in Zones 4–12Growing guide
Leeks growing or ready to harvestPhoto: Evelyn Simak · CC BY-SA 2.0

Set your expectations

How long until you can harvest?

50–180 days, depending on type
Cold-weather noteMost handle cool weather and light frost well.
Start withSeeds, sets, cloves or young plants
Life cycleAnnual or biennial, depending on the crop
DifficultyEasy

Your seasonal plan

When to grow leeks in Zone 6.

Planting usually begins later in spring than it does in warmer zones. These are useful planning windows, not exact weather guarantees.

Typical planting windowMarch–May and August–September
Typical harvest windowJanuary–February and July–October and December

Growing essentials

What leeks need to thrive.

Use the practical details below with your Zone 6 timeline. Current weather and the variety you choose can shift timing.

LightFull sun
SoilLoose, fertile, sharply drained soil, pH about 6.0–7.0
Planting depth¼ in seed; transplant in 6 in holes
Spacing4–6 in
WaterKeep evenly moist during active growth, then reduce water as bulbs mature.
Best conditionsBest growth in cool weather; bulbing depends on day length and variety.

How to plant

Plant it well.

Plant seed, sets, cloves or transplants as specified; keep the base at the correct shallow depth.

Indoors or containers

Green onions and chives grow well in containers; full-size bulbs require strong light and room.

Keep it growing

Care through the season.

  • Weed carefully because narrow leaves do not shade competitors.
  • Avoid piling mulch or soil against developing bulbs.
  • Stop high-nitrogen feeding once bulbs begin to swell.
What to avoid

Planting too deeply or using the wrong day-length onion for the region.

Ready to harvest

Know the cue, not just the date.

  • Lift when white shanks reach desired diameter; harvest before hard freezing where winters are severe.
  • Harvest during the cool part of the day when practical. Use clean tools, then cool, store or use the harvest promptly.

How we know

Sources and growing guidance.

The growing essentials and seasonal planning windows are original summaries informed by university Extension references; always adjust for current local weather and variety instructions.

Vegetable planting and garden planningUniversity of Minnesota ExtensionFlorida Vegetable Gardening GuideUniversity of Florida IFAS Extension

Growing essentials compiled · November 2026