How to Grow Leek in Australia
A cool-season brassica crop for the home garden
Growing Leek at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$3-6/week, leeks are expensive for their size; one crop yields many.
This guide covers when to plant Leek in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Leek is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June and July. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Leek full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+ deep, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 5 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 15 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 22 degrees.
Sow seeds densely, transplant seedlings when pencil-thick. Mound soil around stems to blanch. Slow but rewarding cool-season crop.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Thrips and Leek moth. The main diseases to watch are Rust and Leaf blight. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Leek is typically ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months). Fridge unwrapped, up to 2 weeks.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, leek is good braised slowly as a side dish, softened into leek and potato soup, added to quiches and tarts and stir-fried as an onion substitute. Nutritionally: contains allicin with antimicrobial properties and good source of vitamins and minerals.
Companion Planting
Leek grows well alongside Carrot and Celery. Keep it away from Legumes. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Leek Growing
Add leek to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leek in Australia?
Leek is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June and July. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Leek take to grow?
Leek is generally ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months).
Can I grow Leek in a pot?
Yes. Leek grows well in a container of 30cm+ deep with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Leek need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Leek in the Plant Library
