Leek is a perennial grown for the harvest, ready about 100 days after sowing. It's hardy across USDA zones 2 through 11 and stands up to deer. Its flowers are a moderate draw for honeybees, native bees, and butterflies, even though the harvest is the prize. As an allium (the onion family), give it a fresh bed each year — away from where its relatives just grew — so the soil-borne pests and diseases of the family never get a foothold.
Zones
2-11
pH Range
4.5-7.5
Sun
Full Sun
Days to Maturity
100
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What Leek is
Leek grows as a perennial and reaches around 2.5 feet at maturity. It's also deer-resistant.
How to grow Leek
Leek grows in USDA zones 2 through 11 and is ready to harvest about 100 days after planting. Leek does best in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 4.5 to 7.5, on well-drained ground. It needs around 1,500 growing degree days to mature and a growing season of at least 120 frost-free days, which is why climate matters as much as soil.
USDA Zones
2-11
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
4.5 - 7.5
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Full Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
well (dry spells)
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost Tolerance
42.8°F
plant_species_v5.csv
Days to Maturity
100 days
Leek; from transplant.
UMass-Veg; OSU-PNW
GDD Required
1500+
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
2.5 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
120+
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant leek in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Leek prefers pH 4.5 to 7.5 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.
Harvest at maturity
Leek is ready about 100 days after sowing (UMass-Veg; OSU-PNW). Watch for cultivar-specific ripeness cues and pick at peak.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — leek is toxic to dogs and cats (moderate severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Leek offers moderate value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Leek thrives
On hardiness alone, leek grows across most of the country — its range (USDA zones 2 through 11) is unusually wide. Zone is only the starting point, though: the soil pH, drainage, and frost dates on your specific land decide how well it actually does.
Zones 2–11·Where Leek growsOpen map →
Continental US shown — Alaska and US Pacific territories sit outside the federal map's polygon dataset.
On USDA hardiness-zone overlap, Leek can grow in these states:
See if Leek will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether leek actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Leek in my zone?
Leek grows in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11 (USDA PHZM 2023). Zone is one factor — soil pH, drainage, and frost dates on your specific parcel also shape whether it takes.
How long does Leek take to grow?
Leek is ready to harvest about 100 days after planting (UMass-Veg; OSU-PNW). Your local frost dates and soil temperature move that window earlier or later.
When should you plant Leek?
Most growers plant leek after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed, leaving enough of the season for its 120-day frost-free need. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
How much sun does Leek need?
Leek needs full sun — a spot that catches at least 6 hours of direct summer sun a day. In more shade it still grows, but usually gives a smaller, later crop. The catch is that a yard rarely gets even light everywhere — a fence, the house, or one tall tree can quietly take those hours. A Growable Ground report reads the real sun-hours across your land, canopy and buildings included, so you can pick the brightest bed before you plant.
What soil does Leek need?
Leek prefers soil pH 4.5 to 7.5, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Leek attract pollinators?
Yes — leek's flowers are a solid nectar source for honeybees, native bees, and butterflies (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Leek safe for pets?
Leek is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with moderate severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.