Holly's Homestead — Bulb & Allium
Leek
Allium ampeloprasum · Onion family
DIFFICULTY Easy–moderate
TYPE Biennial, grown as annual from seedlings
MATURITY 120–150 days
TYPE Biennial, grown as annual from seedlings
MATURITY 120–150 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
15cm × 30cm
Depth
15cm trench
01Trenching for length
Plant seedlings deep into a narrow trench or hole, backfilling gradually. The buried stem stays white and tender — the deeper it's blanched, the longer the usable white shaft.
02Planting
Method
Drop seedlings into 15cm deep holes and water in — don't backfill fully, just let rain settle soil around roots.
Soil
Rich, well-drained, deeply cultivated.
Timing
Transplant seedlings in spring to early summer.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Mound soil up around the stems as they grow to extend the white shaft.
- Water deeply and regularly through summer.
- Feed with compost or aged manure mid-season.
- Weed by hand — shallow roots dislike disturbance.
04Problems
- Rust — orange leaf spots; improve airflow, avoid overhead watering.
- Leek moth — larvae tunnel leaves; net young plants.
- Bolting — from cold stress; plant at the right time.
- Thin stems — overcrowding or poor feeding.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Shaft reaches 2–3cm across, any time from autumn onward.
Method
Loosen soil with a fork, then lift.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Cool, humid spot or fridge, 2–3 weeks. Can stay in the ground over winter.
Preserving
See Root Cellaring (curing and storing alliums) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CarrotCeleryOnionAvoid nearby
BeansPeasRotation note
Rotate with legumes and brassicas; avoid other alliums for 3 years.
