Growing notes
Leeks have shallow root systems and need plentiful watering. Hill the plants to produce a longer white shaft, or plant in a furrow and fill it in.
Harvest signs
Most leek varieties fully develop when the stem width is bigger than one inch. Some smaller varieties mature at one-half to three-fourths of an inch diameter. A quality leek should have a firm, white shaft more than three inches long. The top growth, called the flag, should be dark blue-green.
▶Planting reference— spacing, pH, light
▶Pests & diseases— onion maggot
Companions & antagonists
Common questions
How much water does leek need?
Leek is water-sensitive — shallow roots and a steady thirst. Keep soil moisture in roughly the 30–50% range and don't let it dry out fully, or growth stalls and leafy crops turn bitter.
Can I grow leek in a raised bed or container?
Yes — leek does well in raised beds and is happy in a decent-sized container too, as long as drainage is good.
Does leek come back every year?
No — leek is an annual. It completes its life in one season, so you replant it each year.