When to plant leek in zone 3a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3A

Growing SeasonZone 3a

Last frost ~May 30First frost ~Sep 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Mar 7 · Transplant May 16 · First harvest Aug 24 · Wrap by Sep 10

Last spring frostMay 30

Start seeds indoorsMar 7

Transplant outMay 16

First harvestAug 24

Last harvestSep 10

First fall frostSep 10

Why these dates work in zone 3a

Zone 3a's last spring frost averages May 30 and first fall frost Sep 10 — about 103 frost-free days. Leek tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 12 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does leek take to grow in zone 3a?

Leek matures in about 100–120 days from transplanting. In zone 3a that means setting plants out around May 16 and first picking around Aug 24.

Will leek survive frost in zone 3a?

Yes — leek tolerates light frost. In zone 3a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around May 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 10).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full leek growing guide →