Grow and Save Leek Seeds

Leeks have been gracing kitchens for over 4,000 years, proving that good taste never goes out of style. These mild-mannered members of the allium family are worth the wait, whether you're growing them for your next soup or your next seed-saving experiment.

Time of Planting

Start leek seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. These little green warriors don’t mind a bit of cold, so you can transplant them outside as soon as the threat of a hard frost has passed.

Spacing Requirements

Sow leek seeds ¼ inch deep into seed flats. When moving them to their outdoor home, give them 6 inches of elbow room so they can stretch out and grow into the fine, elegant stalks they were meant to be.

Time to Germination

5-7 days—because good things don’t always take forever!

Special Considerations

Leeks are hungry. No, really. These plants are heavy feeders and thrive in soil rich in organic matter. Give them a high-nitrogen fertilizer to keep them happy and growing strong.

Common Pests and Diseases

Leeks can fall victim to downy mildew, white rot, and leaf blight. The best defense? A good offense. Rotate plant families in your garden and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on those long, leafy greens.

When and How to Harvest for Food Consumption

Harvest leeks when they reach a diameter of ½ to 1-½ inches—about the size of a thick marker. Be sure to give them a thorough rinse before cooking; these guys have a habit of hoarding dirt between their leaves like it’s a treasured keepsake.

Eating

Leeks are the secret weapon of the kitchen. They have a milder, sweeter taste than onions and add depth to soups, stews, and sautés. Feeling fancy? Try a classic leek and potato soup, or toss them on the grill for a smoky twist.

Storing

Leeks are marathon runners in the storage department. Keep them in the fridge, and they’ll last for weeks. Got a root cellar? Even better! They’ll stay fresh for months.

How to Save Leek Seeds

If you’re patient enough to let your leeks complete their two-year journey, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh batch of seeds to keep the cycle going.

Life Cycle

Biennial—meaning they need two growing seasons to produce seeds.

Recommended Isolation Distance

Give leeks 800 feet to ½ mile of personal space from other varieties in their second year of growth to prevent any unexpected cross-pollination surprises.

Recommended Population Sizes

For viable seeds, save from at least 5 plants. If you’re serious about maintaining a variety over generations, aim for 20-50 plants. For hardcore seed savers preserving rare varieties, go big—80 plants or more.

Vernalization

To get seeds, select a few superstar leeks and store them through winter in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. In early spring, replant them using the same spacing as the first year. Pro tip: Stake your leeks to keep them from flopping over like a sleepy toddler when they start flowering.

Assessing Seed Maturity

Seed pods will mature in the second growing season, splitting open to reveal tiny black seeds—nature’s way of telling you they’re ready.

Harvesting

Snip the seed stalks 6-8 inches below the seed head and place them in a breathable container (think paper bag, mesh bag, or drying screen). Let them dry for at least a week in a well-ventilated area. The drier, the better—trust us, it makes seed collection much easier.

Cleaning and Processing

Once those seed heads are crispy dry, pop them in a paper bag and give them a good shake—like a maraca, but with purpose. The seeds will fall free, ready to be sorted and stored.

Storage and Viability

Keep leek seeds in a cool, dry place, and they’ll stay viable for a couple of years. If you want to get the most out of them, toss them in an airtight container and store them somewhere dark—like a spice cabinet, a pantry, or a secret drawer labeled "Leek Secrets."