Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

Seed Spacing: 4–6 inches

Row Spacing: 12–18 inches

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Days to Sprout: 10–14 days

Days to Maturity: 120–150 days

Growth Habit: Upright, hardy biennial (grown as an annual)

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Enrich soil with compost for optimal growth.

When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart in rows spaced 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings as needed.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds in trays and transplant when seedlings are 6–8 inches tall. Bury stems deeply to promote long, white shafts.

Succession Planting: Stagger plantings every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

Watering: Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Leeks prefer steady moisture for tender stalks.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting and during mid-season to support strong growth.

Blanching: As plants grow, mound soil or mulch around the stems to blanch them for long, tender, white stalks.

Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for onion maggots and rust. Use organic treatments or crop rotation to manage issues.

When to Harvest: Harvest when stems are 1–2 inches in diameter, typically 120–150 days after planting. Leeks can be harvested earlier for smaller, more tender stalks.

How to Harvest: Loosen soil around the base with a garden fork and gently pull plants. Avoid damaging stems during harvest.

Seed Collection: Allow some plants to overwinter and flower in their second year. Collect seeds from mature flower heads.

Storing Seeds: Dry seeds thoroughly and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.