When to plant leek in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 15 · Transplant Apr 26 · First harvest Aug 4 · Wrap by Sep 29

Last spring frostMay 10

Start seeds indoorsFeb 15

Transplant outApr 26

First harvestAug 4

Last harvestSep 29

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 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 5a?

Leek matures in about 100–120 days from transplanting. In zone 5a that means setting plants out around Apr 26 and first picking around Aug 4.

Will leek survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — leek tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

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