Fresh leeks are not green onions.
Learn everything you better know about growing leeks to add a mild onion flavor to your favorite dishes.
While a leek is part of the onion family, it differs from an onion.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
A leek doesnt have a bulb or hollow leaves like an onion.
Leeks can be raised from seed or ready-grown seedlings.
The ASPCA warns that leeks are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The soil should be well-drained and enriched with well-composted organic matter.
Most leeks require a long growing season of about 120 to 150 days.
Choose from these methods for growing leeks from seed.
Water them thoroughly the day before transplanting them.
In Zones 9-11, plant leeks in the fall for a spring harvest.
Planting leeks in deep holes produces long white stems.
To get even longer stems, gradually mound soil around the stems ormulch them with strawduring the growing season.
However, they are a high-maintenance plant because they require transplanting and hilling for blanching.
Light
Leeks grow best infull sun.
Plant them where they willreceive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Soil and Water
Plant leeks in organically rich, well-drained sandy soil.
Give leek plantsconsistent wateringduring the growing season to ensure the soil maintains a medium moisture level.
Temperature and Humidity
Leeks grow best between 55 F and 75F.
Fertilizer
Pruning
Leeks dont require pruning other than to remove any dead or diseased leaves.
Its best to immediately remove any affected plants with leek rust from your garden.
They are also vulnerable to onion maggots and thrips.
How to Propagate Leeks
Seeds arent the only way to propagate leeks.
As with green onions, leekbases can also be pulled up and regrownin a container of water.
This upright plant grows quickly, and its slender stalks are perfect for grilling.
Giant Musselburgh
Allium ampeloprasumGiant Musselburgh is a large, Scottish heirloom variety that is widely adaptable.
This hardy performer produces 2- to 3-inch-diameter leeks with blue-gray leaves and a mild flavor.
Its good for fall and winter harvests.
This late-season variety is exceptionally tender and withstands cold weather.
In addition, herbs with deep roots aerate the soil, making it more welcoming for leek roots.
Carrots
Carrotsenjoy the same well-drained, rich, sandy soil as leeks.
Plant carrots before leeks, as they take longer to reach maturity.
Strawberries
Strawberry plantsenjoy full sun and consistent moisture like leeks.
They also attract pollinators and suppress weed growth with their dense foliage.
In exchange, the odor of leeks repels many strawberry pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most gardeners grow leeks because of their tender white and light green parts.
Adding the darker green parts of leeks to your homemade soup stock will give it an extra flavor boost.
Leeks that are not blanched last about two months in the freezer, while blanched leeks last a year.
Air-dry them and freeze them in a single layer for an hour before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Cut them in half and submerge them in cold water.
Agitate them vigorously or fan bring up the layers to free any trapped sand.
