How to Grow Leeks in Texas

Leeks can add texture and interest to a variety of recipes.

Leeks, scientifically known as Allium porrum, are members of the onion family. They feature long, flat, dark green leaves and a pale cylindrical stalk. Their delicate flavor enhances soups and salads without overwhelming other ingredients. They also are a good source of manganese, vitamin C, and iron. Leeks grow well in Texas, but optimal seed germination, transplanting and harvest times differ statewide from north to south.

Things You'll Need

• Seed trays
• Commercial seed starter mix
• All-purpose fertilizer in a 16-16-8 NPK formulation
• Mulch made of compost, grass clippings or leaves
• Nitrogen fertilizer in a 21-0-0 NPK formulation

Instructions

1. Start leeks indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before last frostIf you live in northern Texas. Start them indoors in summer for fall transplanting if you live in central or southern Texas; they will be ready for harvest during early winter. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep into seed trays filled with moistened seed-starter mix. Spray the mix after planting to provide more moisture without disturbing the seeds, and keep soil consistently moist for the next few weeks.

2. Place the trays in a sunny windowsill once they have started to germinate--approximately within 2 to 3 weeks. Continue to keep soil well-moistened.

3. Select a planting site for your leek seedlings in full sun with rich, moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of between 6.6 and 7.5. A few days before planting, apply 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of all-purpose fertilizer in a 16-16-8 formulation.

4. Transplant the seedlings when they are about 9 inches tall, planting deeply so that only a few inches of leaf show above the soil. Space the seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart, in rows 20 inches apart.

5. Water the seedlings thoroughly after transplanting. Keep the soil moist thereafter to provide enough water for the leeks' shallow root systems, but don't allow soil to become water-logged. As leeks mature, water deeply every week, making sure soil is moistened to a depth of 18 inches.

6. Mulch with compost, grass clippings or leaves to retain moisture, supply extra nutrients, protect the roots and suppress weeds.

7. Fertilize the leeks two months after transplanting with nitrogen fertilizer (21-0-0-formulation) at a rate of 1/2 pound per 100 square feet.

8. Mound 2 to 3 inches of soil around stems on 2 to 3 separate occasions during the next few weeks in order to blanch the leeks pure white and improve the quality.

9. Harvest the leeks with a spading fork when the stems are an inch in diameter. According to the Harvest Wizard website, leeks are usually ready to be harvested within 120 to 170 days of planting.

Tips & Warnings

• To freeze harvested leeks for later use, trim and blanch for 3 minutes in boiling water. Cool rapidly, towel dry and place in freezer bags.

References

• Texas A and M University Extension: Growing Leeks
• Heirloom Organics: Heirloom Leek Seed
• Harvest Wizard: How to Grow Leeks