How to Grow Leek

Growing Leeks

Leeks, with their mild onion-like flavour, add a unique and delicious touch to a variety of dishes. Growing leeks in your Australian garden is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy this versatile vegetable straight from your own backyard. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of growing leeks, from planting to harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, follow these steps to successfully cultivate leeks and enhance your culinary creations.

When to Plant Leeks in Australia

• Cooler Regions: In cooler regions, such as Tasmania or the Southern Highlands, start sowing leek seeds indoors during late winter or early spring. Transplant the seedlings outdoors in late spring or early summer.
• Temperate Regions: In temperate regions, such as Sydney or Melbourne, start sowing leek seeds indoors during late winter or early spring. Transplant the seedlings outdoors in spring when the soil temperature reaches around 10-15°C (50-59°F).
• Warmer Regions: In warmer regions, such as Brisbane or Perth, start sowing leek seeds indoors during late winter or early spring. Transplant the seedlings outdoors in late autumn or early winter.

Leek Growing Stages

1. Seed Germination: Leek seeds typically take 7-14 days to germinate. Start seeds indoors in seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of around 15-20°C (59-68°F).

2. Transplanting Seedlings: Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size (approximately 15 cm/6 inches tall) and the soil is ready, transplant them outdoors. Space the seedlings 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart in rows with 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) between the rows.

3. Leaf Development: As the leek plants grow, new leaves will emerge from the centre of the plant. These long, green leaves will gradually thicken and become more upright.

4. Bulbing: Towards the end of the growing season, leeks may begin to develop a white, elongated bulb at the base. This bulb provides the tender, flavorful portion of the leek.

How to Grow Leeks in Pots

If you have limited space or prefer container gardening, growing leeks in pots is a viable option. Follow these steps to grow leeks in pots:

1. Pot Selection: Choose a deep container with a capacity of at least 10 litres. Leeks have long roots, so a deep pot is essential for proper growth.
2. Potting Mix: Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter. Avoid using garden soil, as it may not provide adequate drainage.
3. Planting: Sow leek seeds directly into the potting mix or start with leek seedlings. Space the plants 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) apart.
4. Watering and Care: Leeks grown in pots require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Ensure the container has proper drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
5. Sunlight and Temperature: Place the pots in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Leeks prefer cooler temperatures, ideally between 10-20°C (50-68°F). If the weather becomes too hot, provide some shade or move the pots to a cooler spot.
6. Fertilisation: Apply a balanced vegetable fertiliser according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Feed the leeks every 4-6 weeks to provide them with essential nutrients.
7. Pest and Disease Management: Monitor the leek plants for pests such as aphids or onion maggots. Use organic pest control methods or introduce beneficial insects to manage any infestations. Regularly inspect the plants for signs of disease, such as fungal infections, and take appropriate measures to address them.
8. Harvesting: Harvest leeks when they have reached the desired size. This typically occurs 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. Gently loosen the soil around the base of the leek and carefully lift it out of the ground or container. Trim the roots and remove any damaged outer leaves before using the leek in your recipes.

How to Grow Leeks From Seeds

Growing leeks from seeds allows you to select from a wider variety of cultivars and have control over the entire growing process. Here’s how to grow leeks from seeds:

1. Seed Selection: Choose high-quality leek seeds from a reputable source. Consider factors such as flavour, size, and disease resistance when selecting the varieties.
2. Timing: Start sowing leek seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your region. This allows the seedlings to develop before transplanting them outdoors.
3. Seed Starting Trays: Fill seed starting trays or small pots with seed-starting mix. Moisten the mix before planting the seeds to ensure proper moisture levels.
4. Planting: Plant the leek seeds approximately 1 cm (0.4 inches) deep in the seed-starting mix. Space the seeds about 2-3 cm (1 inch) apart to allow room for each seedling to develop.
5. Indoor Care: Place the trays in a warm location or use a seedling heat mat to encourage germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings typically emerge within 14-21 days.
6. Transplanting: Once the leek seedlings have grown to a suitable size (approximately 15 cm/6 inches tall) and the soil is ready, transplant them outdoors. Space the seedlings 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart in rows with 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) between the rows.
7. Outdoor Care: Ensure the leek plants receive full sun or partial shade, depending on the climate in your region. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppresses weed growth.
8. Fertilisation: Apply a balanced organic fertiliser according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Feed the plants every 4-6 weeks to provide them with the necessary nutrients.
9. Pest and Disease Management: Monitor the leek plants for pests such as onion maggots or leaf miners. Inspect the leaves regularly and use organic pest control methods to manage any infestations. Keep the area around the leeks clean and free of debris to minimise disease risks.
10. Harvesting: Harvest leeks when they have reached the desired size. Typically, leeks are harvested when they are around 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) in diameter and 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) in length. Gently loosen the soil around the base of the leek and carefully lift it out of the ground. Trim the roots and remove any damaged outer leaves before using the leek in your recipes.

How to Grow Big Leeks

If you want to grow larger and more substantial leeks, follow these tips:

1. Spacing: Adequate spacing between leek plants is crucial for their development. Provide them with enough room, spacing the seedlings approximately 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart. This allows each leek plant to grow and expand without competition.
2. Soil Enrichment: Prior to planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or organic matter. This provides the leeks with the necessary nutrients to support their growth.
3. Hilling: As leeks grow, gradually hill up the soil around the base of the plants. This helps blanch the lower part of the leeks, resulting in longer and whiter stems. Take care not to bury the leaves completely, as they need sunlight for photosynthesis.
4. Regular Watering: Consistent moisture is essential for leek growth. Ensure the plants receive sufficient water, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
5. Fertilisation: Apply a balanced vegetable fertiliser or compost tea every 4-6 weeks to provide the leeks with additional nutrients. This helps promote their growth and size.
6. Pest and Disease Management: Regularly inspect the leek plants for pests such as onion maggots or leaf miners. Use organic pest control methods to manage any infestations. Keep the area around the leeks clean and free of debris to minimise disease risks.
7. Harvesting: Allow the leeks to grow to their full potential before harvesting. Larger leeks generally have a stronger flavour and are ideal for soups, stews, and braising. When harvesting, gently loosen the soil around the base of the leek and carefully lift it out of the ground. Trim the roots and remove any damaged outer leaves before using the leek in your recipes.

Conclusion

Growing leeks in your Australian garden is a rewarding endeavour that provides you with a supply of flavorful and versatile vegetables. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can successfully cultivate leeks from seedlings or seeds. Whether you choose to grow leeks in the ground or in pots, with proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this delicious vegetable. Incorporate leeks into your favourite recipes and savour their unique taste and texture. Happy gardening and bon appétit!