When to plant Leeks in Nottingham

Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

Leek
Leek · Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

A hardy allium for the UK garden, best started under cover and planted out into firm, fertile soil. Keep the rows weed-free, water well in dry spells, and lift stems as you need them from autumn through winter and into spring.

45 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Nottingham · last frost ≈ 20 Apr

Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest September to March. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    6 Mar to 21 Mar

    Around 6th March - 21st March, dig the bed well and work in compost. Leeks do best in moisture-retentive but free-draining soil, and a loose, stone-free tilth helps the stems grow straight.

  2. 02

    Sow Seeds Under Cover

    4 Feb to 6 Mar

    Sow seeds thinly in modules or a seed tray around 4th February - 6th March, about deep. Keep them at and water gently so the compost stays moist but not sodden.

  3. 03

    Prick Out Seedlings

    25 Feb to 10 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Move seedlings on when they are large enough to handle, from 25th February. Pot them into small modules or deeper trays so the roots can develop without crowding.

  4. 04

    Harden Off

    6 Apr to 20 Apr

    Set plants outside for a few hours a day before planting out. Do this over 6th April - 20th April so they adjust to wind, sun and cooler nights without checking growth.

  5. 05

    Plant Out

    6 Apr to 20 May

    Plant sturdy seedlings into deep dibbed holes around 6th April - 20th May, leaving just the base of the leaves at soil level. Water in thoroughly at once, then let the soil settle naturally around the roots rather than firming hard.

  6. 06

    Weed and Earth Up

    6 Apr to 7 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Keep the rows weed-free and draw soil up around the stems as they thicken. Start from 6th April and repeat as the plants grow, keeping moisture steady in dry spells so the stems stay tender and pale.

  7. 07

    Harvest Leeks

    10 Sept to 7 Mar 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Lift leeks from 10th September once the stems are a usable size, then keep picking through 7th March 2028. Loosen the soil with a fork before pulling and take only the stems needed.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Leek to consider

Musselburgh

A reliable open-pollinated leek with long, sturdy stems and good winter hardiness.

Lyon

A traditional variety that gives long white shanks and dependable flavour.

Bandit

A hardy winter leek that stands well and crops for a long period.

Below Zero

A very cold-tolerant leek suited to late cropping and winter harvests.

Leek guides by town

See how Leek timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.