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When to plant
leeks in the UK
Drop seedlings into deep holes and just water in — no need to fill the hole. They'll fatten up on their own.
Work out your own dates
Starts from the recommended sow date for your area. Sowed on a different day, or planted out late? Adjust below and the harvest moves with it.
Using the UK-average last frost · 15 April · add your postcode to tune it
Growing journey
20 weeks from planting out to harvest · Start indoors 14 weeks before planting out
Get leeks seeds
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What leeks need
Sun or partial shade. Rich, well-drained soil.
Spacing
15cm between plants · 20cm between rows
Space evenly in rows. Thin seedlings early to avoid crowding.
Varieties worth growing
Musselburgh
commonNamed after the Scottish town, grown since the 1830s, and hard as nails. Stands through the worst winter can throw at it and still delivers thick, sweet stems. The leek that history trusts.
Leek and potato soup
Slice the leeks, soften in butter, add cubed potato and stock. Simmer until tender, blitz or leave chunky. A bowl of this on a cold day is as good as a hug. Vichyssoise if you serve it cold and want to sound fancy.
King Richard
uncommonAn early variety with exceptionally long, slender white stems. Matures faster than most leeks and is mild enough to use raw in salads if you're feeling continental. Not as winter-hardy as Musselburgh, but makes up for it in speed.
Leeks vinaigrette
Simmer whole leeks until just tender, drain, and dress warm with a mustardy vinaigrette. A French bistro classic that elevates the humble leek to starring role.
Bandit
uncommonThe late-season leek that just won't quit. Hardy through the harshest winter, ready from December right through to April. When everything else in the garden has gone to sleep, Bandit is still standing.
Leek and cheese tart
Slice leeks, soften in butter, spread in a blind-baked pastry case, pour over a custard of eggs, cream, and mature cheddar. Bake until just set and golden. Sunday lunch with less effort.
Blue Solaise
rareA French heritage variety that turns blue-purple in cold weather. Extremely winter-hardy with a sweet, delicate flavour that's more refined than most leeks. Originally from the Solaise region near Lyon, and it looks as though it belongs in a French kitchen garden.
Leek flamiche
Soften sliced blue leeks in butter, spread in a pastry-lined tin, pour over a rich custard of eggs and cream, and bake until golden and just set. The classic Flemish leek tart, elevated by the sweetness of this heritage variety.
When to sow leeks
Based on UK average frost date. Enter your postcode for exact dates, or find your city.
Where to buy leeks seeds
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What you'll need for leeks
The stuff beginners wish they'd bought sooner.
Each seedling gets its own root space. Less root disturbance when planting out means faster establishment.
More in our equipment guide →Make deep holes, drop the leek in, water — don't backfill. The traditional method and it works perfectly.
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Get your exact dates
Enter your postcode for personalised planting dates for leeks.