Vegetable · Amaryllidaceae family
leek
Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum Group)
In short a 10-second read
Leek (vegetable) grows to 0.6–1.2 m tall and 0.2–0.45 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in February–April. Plant out in May–June. Harvest in August–April.
× spread 0.2–0.45 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 6–7.5
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Sowing
sow indoors: February; direct sowing: March–April
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Harvest
August–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection.
- Needs no protection
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow leek?
In February–April (sow indoors, direct sowing).
When is leek harvested?
In August–April.
Does leek tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does leek need?
At maturity 0.2–0.45 m wide and 0.6–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 20 cm.
Does leek survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 5 expert sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (5)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS — How to grow leeks
- Wikidata (CC0) — leek / pór
- UMD Extension - Growing Leeks
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
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