When to plant leek 🧅
Leek takes 100–130 days to mature, spaced 6" apart at 0.5" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | March 2 – March 16 | April 27 – May 11 | September 14 – October 12 |
| Zone 4 | February 21 – March 6 | April 17 – May 1 | September 4 – October 2 |
| Zone 5 | February 7 – February 21 | April 3 – April 17 | August 21 – September 18 |
| Zone 6 | January 22 – February 5 | March 18 – April 1 | August 5 – September 2 |
| Zone 7 | January 8 – January 22 | March 4 – March 18 | July 22 – August 19 |
| Zone 8 | December 22 – January 5 | February 16 – March 1 | July 5 – August 2 |
| Zone 9 | November 23 – December 7 | January 18 – February 1 | June 6 – July 4 |
| Zone 10 | November 7 – November 21 | January 2 – January 16 | May 21 – June 18 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized leek planting dates
Care tips
- Plant in 6-in. trenches and backfill as they grow.
- Hill soil around stalks for white shanks.
- Tolerates frost — over-winters in mild zones.
Good companions
Carrot, Celery, Onion.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your leek harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start leek seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start leek seeds indoors between February 7 and February 21 — that's 10–12 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start leek seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start leek seeds indoors between January 22 and February 5 — that's 10–12 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start leek seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start leek seeds indoors between January 8 and January 22 — that's 10–12 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start leek seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start leek seeds indoors between December 22 and January 5 — that's 10–12 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant leek seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant leek seedlings about -4–-2 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around March 18–April 1.
How long does leek take to grow?▾
Leek typically takes 100–130 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 16–20 weeks after the last spring frost.