When to plant leek in zone 8a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8A

Growing SeasonZone 8a

Last frost ~Mar 25First frost ~Nov 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Dec 31 · Transplant Mar 11 · First harvest Jun 19 · Wrap by Aug 14

Last spring frostMar 25

Start seeds indoorsDec 31

Transplant outMar 11

First harvestJun 19

Last harvestAug 14

First fall frostNov 10

Why these dates work in zone 8a

Zone 8a's last spring frost averages Mar 25 and first fall frost Nov 10 — about 230 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 8a?

Leek matures in about 100–120 days from transplanting. In zone 8a that means setting plants out around Mar 11 and first picking around Jun 19.

Will leek survive frost in zone 8a?

Yes — leek tolerates light frost. In zone 8a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Mar 25) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 10).

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