01 · Timing

When and how to begin

Start early indoors or buy transplants, then set seedlings into deep holes without burying the leaves.

02 · Growing sequence

See the crop change before it happens.

Illustrated growth sequence for leek, from establishment through mature harvest.
  1. 01Start early enough for the long season.
  2. 02Set seedlings deeply for a longer pale shank.
  3. 03Maintain steady moisture.
  4. 04Harvest before the ground freezes solid where necessary.

03 · Below the surface

Give the roots their working volume.

Planting geometryDepth, roots, and final space
6 in final spacing
¼ in

A shallow fibrous root system benefits from consistent moisture while the stem is gradually blanched.

04 · Harvest

Know when it is ready

Visual decisionRead the plant, not only the date
Illustrated growth sequence for leek, from establishment through mature harvest.
Not yet

Still developing

Illustrated growth sequence for leek, from establishment through mature harvest.
Ready

Lift when stems reach a useful diameter; many varieties tolerate cool fall weather and light frost.

Illustrated growth sequence for leek, from establishment through mature harvest.
Past prime

Quality or vigor may decline when harvest is delayed beyond the intended stage.

05 · Common trouble

Inspect before you treat

Close botanical observation of spots on leaves, presented as a visual symptom rather than a diagnosis.
Spots on leavesCompare observations →
Onion thripsRustThin stems

Symptoms can share several causes. Check moisture, recent weather, and the complete plant before applying a treatment.

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